Catalog

Priorat is, since 1954, one of the only two "qualified" designations of origin ( with Rioja). However, world fame for this terroir only came about in the 1990s, under the impetus of Álvaro Palacios and René Barbier (Clos Mogador). With its very steep terrain, schist and slate soils and a climate full of contrasts due to its altitude (300 m to 1000 m), Priorat is a land of predilection for grenache (the flesh) and carignan (the bones).

In addition to the usual quality standards (very old vines, low yields, manual harvesting, etc.), what is most striking about Álvaro Palacios is his modern vision of Priorat with, from top to bottom of his range, wines that harmoniously combine minerality, richness, elegance and sweetness. If Ermita has rightly become a cult wine that is sought after worldwide, it is the harmony of its range, down to the "small" Camins del Priorat, that commands admiration.

The range of Álvaro Palacios is built around Grenache (as in Rayas), whose proportion in the blend increases with the quality of the wine. In addition, each cuvée contains a small amount (1% to 2%) of white grapes (white grenache, macabeu...) for added freshness.

La Baixada, a new cuvée created in 2018, parcel selection from 3 locations within the Finca Dofi vineyard, 100% grenache. Graceful, powerful and delicate on a taffeta texture, the combination of power and elegance of this wine is dazzling. La Baixada is in some ways the twin sister of the great L'Ermita vintage, but at a quarter of the price!

Priorat is, since 1954, one of the only two "qualified" designations of origin ( with Rioja). However, world fame for this terroir only came about in the 1990s, under the impetus of Álvaro Palacios and René Barbier (Clos Mogador). With its very steep terrain, schist and slate soils and a climate full of contrasts due to its altitude (300 m to 1000 m), Priorat is a land of predilection for grenache (the flesh) and carignan (the bones).

In addition to the usual quality standards (very old vines, low yields, manual harvesting, etc.), what is most striking about Álvaro Palacios is his modern vision of Priorat with, from top to bottom of his range, wines that harmoniously combine minerality, richness, elegance and sweetness. If Ermita has rightly become a cult wine that is sought after worldwide, it is the harmony of its range, down to the "small" Camins del Priorat, that commands admiration.

The range of Álvaro Palacios is built around Grenache (as in Rayas), whose proportion in the blend increases with the quality of the wine. In addition, each cuvée contains a small amount (1% to 2%) of white grapes (white grenache, macabeu...) for added freshness.

La Baixada, a new cuvée created in 2018, parcel selection from 3 locations within the Finca Dofi vineyard, 100% grenache. Graceful, powerful and delicate on a taffeta texture, the combination of power and elegance of this wine is dazzling. La Baixada is in some ways the twin sister of the great L'Ermita vintage, but at a quarter of the price!

Flag bearer of the new Spanish viticulture, Alvaro Palacios has built its reputation with its Priorat wines, including the flagship Ermita. In 2000, he returned to take care of the family property located east of the Rioja appellation. Over 100 hectares, the vineyard has been divided equally between grenache and tempranillo in organic conversion since 2015.

Vendimia is, as announced on its colourful label, a fruit can barely aged in barrels (4 months).

Flag bearer of the new Spanish viticulture, Alvaro Palacios has built its reputation with its Priorat wines, including the flagship Ermita. In 2000, he returned to take care of the family property located east of the Rioja appellation. Over 100 hectares, the vineyard has been divided equally between grenache and tempranillo in organic conversion since 2015.

La Montesa is the Domaine's main cuvée, sweet, velvety and aged in barrels for 12 months. One of the most popular wines in Spain.

Flag bearer of the new Spanish viticulture, Alvaro Palacios has built its reputation with its Priorat wines, including the flagship Ermita. In 2000, he returned to take care of the family property located east of the Rioja appellation. Over 100 hectares, the vineyard has been divided equally between grenache and tempranillo in organic conversion since 2015.

Propiedad, a high-end cuvée produced only in the great vintages (if not folded in La Montesa): the oldest vines (40 to 90 years old), long vatting, 14 months' maturation, without filtration before bottling, rated 92/100 by Vinous in 2015.

Along with Aldo Conterno, Angelo Gaja and Renato Ratti, Cantina Vietti is one of the estates that revived Barolo in the early 1960s, practicing plot selection above all else. Bought in 2015 by an American (Krause family), a new impulse is given to the Estate which, with more financial means, has acquired several highly qualitative plots in the heart of the Barolo. The wines of Vietti are distinguished by their contained power and stylish depth, qualities that are only revealed after about ten years of aging (except for Perbacco, which is more quickly accessible).

Antonio Galloni, the most qualified American taster to comment on Italian wines, places Vietti at the absolute top of Piedmont and the entire peninsula. 

Along with Aldo Conterno, Angelo Gaja and Renato Ratti, Cantina Vietti is one of the estates that revived Barolo in the early 1960s, practicing plot selection above all else. Bought in 2015 by an American (Krause family), a new impulse is given to the Estate which, with more financial means, has acquired several highly qualitative plots in the heart of the Barolo. The wines of Vietti are distinguished by their contained power and stylish depth, qualities that are only revealed after about ten years of aging (except for Perbacco, which is more quickly accessible).

Antonio Galloni, the most qualified American taster to comment on Italian wines, places Vietti at the absolute top of Piedmont and the entire peninsula. 

Along with Aldo Conterno, Angelo Gaja and Renato Ratti, Cantina Vietti is one of the estates that revived Barolo in the early 1960s, practicing plot selection above all else. Bought in 2015 by an American (Krause family), a new impulse is given to the estate which, with more financial means, has acquired several highly qualitative plots in the heart of the Barolo. The wines of Vietti are distinguished by their contained power and stylish depth, qualities that are only revealed after about ten years of aging (except for Perbacco, which is more quickly accessible).

Antonio Galloni, the most qualified American taster to comment on Italian wines, places Vietti at the absolute top of Piedmont and the entire peninsula. 

The Sottimano family estate is the most Burgundian of Piedmont's producers: small vineyard (18 ha) made up of parcels scattered over the Barbaresco appellation, vines aged between 25 and 60 years, natural fermentation using indigenous yeasts, maturing for one year on lees for malolactic fermentation, no use of sulphur until the final bottling without filtering or fining. All Sottimano wines are distinguished by fine, fresh fruit and soft tannins.

Nice entry into the range with the Langhe (rated 90/100 in 2020 by Galloni) gathering the young vines (15 years old) of their different vineyards.

The Sottimano family estate is the most Burgundian of Piedmont's producers: small vineyard (18 ha) made up of parcels scattered over the Barbaresco appellation, vines aged between 25 and 60 years, natural fermentation using indigenous yeasts, maturing for one year on lees for malolactic fermentation, no use of sulphur until the final bottling without filtering or fining. All Sottimano wines are distinguished by fine, fresh fruit and soft tannins.

The plot-based cuvées (1.5 ha maximum) express the diversity of terroirs and exposures like the Burgundian "climats":
- Pajoré, with its limestone subsoil, is structured by beautifully velvety tannins;
- Fausoni has finesse and elegance;
- Currà, the only south-facing terroir, is richer, riper and has a longer ageing potential.

The Sottimano family estate is the most Burgundian of Piedmont's producers: small vineyard (18 ha) made up of parcels scattered over the Barbaresco appellation, vines aged between 25 and 60 years, natural fermentation using indigenous yeasts, maturing for one year on lees for malolactic fermentation, no use of sulphur until the final bottling without filtering or fining. All Sottimano wines are distinguished by fine, fresh fruit and soft tannins.

The plot-based cuvées (1.5 ha maximum) express the diversity of terroirs and exposures like the Burgundian "climats":
- Pajoré, with its limestone subsoil, is structured by beautifully velvety tannins;
- Fausoni has finesse and elegance;
- Currà, the only south-facing terroir, is richer, riper and has a longer ageing potential.

The Sottimano family estate is the most Burgundian of Piedmont's producers: small vineyard (18 ha) made up of parcels scattered over the Barbaresco appellation, vines aged between 25 and 60 years, natural fermentation using indigenous yeasts, maturing for one year on lees for malolactic fermentation, no use of sulphur until the final bottling without filtering or fining. All Sottimano wines are distinguished by fine, fresh fruit and soft tannins.

The plot-based cuvées (1.5 ha maximum) express the diversity of terroirs and exposures like the Burgundian "climats":
- Pajoré, with its limestone subsoil, is structured by beautifully velvety tannins;
- Fausoni has finesse and elegance;
- Currà, the only south-facing terroir, is richer, riper and has a longer ageing potential.

The Sottimano family estate is the most Burgundian of Piedmont's producers: small vineyard (18 ha) made up of parcels scattered over the Barbaresco appellation, vines aged between 25 and 60 years, natural fermentation using indigenous yeasts, maturing for one year on lees for malolactic fermentation, no use of sulphur until the final bottling without filtering or fining. All Sottimano wines are distinguished by fine, fresh fruit and soft tannins.

The plot-based cuvées (1.5 ha maximum) express the diversity of terroirs and exposures like the Burgundian "climats":
- Pajoré, with its limestone subsoil, is structured by beautifully velvety tannins;
- Fausoni has finesse and elegance;
- Currà, the only south-facing terroir, is richer, riper and has a longer ageing potential.

The Sottimano family estate is the most Burgundian of Piedmont's producers: small vineyard (18 ha) made up of parcels scattered over the Barbaresco appellation, vines aged between 25 and 60 years, natural fermentation using indigenous yeasts, maturing for one year on lees for malolactic fermentation, no use of sulphur until the final bottling without filtering or fining. All Sottimano wines are distinguished by fine, fresh fruit and soft tannins.

The plot-based cuvées (1.5 ha maximum) express the diversity of terroirs and exposures like the Burgundian "climats":
- Pajoré, with its limestone subsoil, is structured by beautifully velvety tannins;
- Fausoni has finesse and elegance;
- Currà, the only south-facing terroir, is richer, riper and has a longer ageing potential. His 2016 was rated 95+/100 by Galloni "Currà captures all the magic and mystery that are the essential qualities of a first-rate Nebbiolo. I loved it."

Small estate but the most representative of all Tuscany: because Gianni Brunelli gathers two complementary terroirs (2 ha on clay in the north of the appellation, 4.5 ha on schist and limestone in the south), because it is 100% sangiovese, because it is advised by the local oenologist Paolo Vagaggini (like a third of the Tuscan properties). Here, they don't produce a whole host of wines, but only a Rosso and two Brunellos, the classic and (only in great vintages) the Riserva.

As Mr. Guido (Vinous) wrote in November 2021 "Gianni Brunelli, a producer who continues to prove that Brunello di Montalcino is a world-class vineyard".

The story of Luca d'Attoma in Tuscany is similar to that of Stéphane Derenoncourt in Bordeaux. First of all, Luca d'Attoma is one of the most famous oenologists in Italy, having worked since 1991 as a consultant in mythical estates such as Tua Rita or Macchiole. In 2000, he decided to create his own vineyard, Duemani, which quickly became a cult in Tuscany (first Italian wine rated 100/100 by Robert Parker). The 7 hectares cover a natural amphitheater 9 km from the Mediterranean, facing west, with soil (clay and stone) very low fertility. The vineyard is fully biodynamic (Demeter).

Suisassi, 100% Syrah, aged in French oak barrels (70% new). An energetic Syrah, at once firm, soft and fresh, in a ripe and rich expression.

The 2016 and 2018 vintages were scored identically by A. Galloni (Vinous): 95/100 for Duemani and 96/100 for Suisassi.

The story of Luca d'Attoma in Tuscany is similar to that of Stéphane Derenoncourt in Bordeaux. First of all, Luca d'Attoma is one of the most famous oenologists in Italy, having worked since 1991 as a consultant in mythical estates such as Tua Rita or Macchiole. In 2000, he decided to create his own vineyard, Duemani, which quickly became a cult in Tuscany (first Italian wine rated 100/100 by Robert Parker). The 7 hectares cover a natural amphitheater 9 km from the Mediterranean, facing west, with soil (clay and stone) very low fertility. The vineyard is fully biodynamic (Demeter).

Suisassi, 100% Syrah, aged in French oak barrels (70% new). An energetic Syrah, at once firm, soft and fresh, in a ripe and rich expression.

The 2016 and 2018 vintages were scored identically by A. Galloni (Vinous): 95/100 for Duemani and 96/100 for Suisassi.

In the 1920s, the Marquis Incisa della Rochetta wanted to create a "noble" wine, i.e., one that was close to the taste of Bordeaux wines. On his estate of Tenuta San Guido, located in Maremma (coastal Tuscany), he had Cabernet Sauvignon (85% today) planted, convinced by their racy tannic structure and their durability. The climate, cooled by the sea breeze from the Mediterranean 5 km away and by the altitude (100 to 400 m), is particularly conducive to a slow maturation of the Cabernet berries.

All the wines of Tenuta San Guido are built around Cabernet Sauvignon as the main grape variety, combined with another minority variety. Sassicaia, a pioneer in the super-Tuscan movement that followed, gained international recognition in 1971 and has never lost it since.

Guidalberto, a step above Difese, is a Cabernet-Sauvignon/Merlot blend with a Medoc-like profile, elegant and distinguished while remaining greedy.

In the 1920s, the Marquis Incisa della Rochetta wanted to create a "noble" wine, i.e., one that was close to the taste of Bordeaux wines. On his estate of Tenuta San Guido, located in Maremma (coastal Tuscany), he had Cabernet Sauvignon (85% today) planted, convinced by their racy tannic structure and their durability. The climate, cooled by the sea breeze from the Mediterranean 5 km away and by the altitude (100 to 400 m), is particularly conducive to a slow maturation of the Cabernet berries.

All the wines of Tenuta San Guido are built around Cabernet Sauvignon as the main grape variety, combined with another minority variety. Sassicaia, a pioneer in the super-Tuscan movement that followed, gained international recognition in 1971 and has never lost it since.

Sassicaia, the Tuscan star, a Cabernet Sauvignon/Cabernet Franc blend, is a unique wine. No extravagance but a perfect balance between aromatic complexity (blackberry, blueberry, balsamic notes), superlative finesse and controlled power. All in delicacy, a wine of great class!

Dirk Van der Niepoort, a talented Port producer, is an unusual character: quirky, visionary and intuitive. Twenty-five years ago, he set out to introduce the quality of the wines of northern Portugal, while remaining faithful to Portuguese know-how and grape varieties. He has created a plethora of vintages (more than 50!) highlighting here a terroir, there a grape variety or unconventional winemaking. Faithful to ancestral Portuguese traditions, Mr Van der Niepoort makes his red wines by blending local grape varieties: touriga nacional, touriga franca, tinta roriz, alfrocheiro, baga, jaen...

The term Vinho Verde originally referred to young and fresh wines and applied to both whites and reds. It has long been synonymous with white wines with a formidable acidity because they come from still green grapes. Mr. Van der Niepoort created this Dócil cuvée to demonstrate that a good Vinho Verde could be "docile". Vinified and matured in stainless steel vats, this wine made from the Loureiro grape variety on a granitic terroir offers a refreshing, crisp and fresh palate with floral (hawthorn, fern) and fruity (green apple, grapefruit, lime) aromas. And only 11° because the Vinho Verde appellation is not granted to wines titling more than 11°5.

Dirk Van der Niepoort, a talented Port producer, is an unusual character: quirky, visionary and intuitive. Twenty-five years ago, he set out to introduce the quality of the wines of northern Portugal, while remaining faithful to Portuguese know-how and grape varieties. He has created a plethora of vintages (more than 50!) highlighting here a terroir, there a grape variety or unconventional winemaking. Faithful to ancestral Portuguese traditions, Mr Van der Niepoort makes his red wines by blending local grape varieties: touriga nacional, touriga franca, tinta roriz, alfrocheiro, baga, jaen...

Redoma represents the tradition of Douro wines. An authentic wine, with character, set on a firm but fine tannic base, civilised by a "Bordeaux-style" ageing process.

Dirk Van der Niepoort, a talented Port producer, is an unusual character: quirky, visionary and intuitive. Twenty-five years ago, he set out to introduce the quality of the wines of northern Portugal, while remaining faithful to Portuguese know-how and grape varieties. He has created a plethora of vintages (more than 50!) highlighting here a terroir, there a grape variety or unconventional winemaking. Faithful to ancestral Portuguese traditions, Mr Van der Niepoort makes his red wines by blending local grape varieties: touriga nacional, touriga franca, tinta roriz, alfrocheiro, baga, jaen...

Batuta, produced only in the best years (2018, the smallest harvest since 2000, is described as exceptional in Portugal), is made from a selection of the best 70 and 100 year old vine grapes on schist soils. With its minerality, velvety tannins and seductive freshness, it is the flagship of the entire Niepoort range.

Dirk Van der Niepoort, a talented Port producer, is an unusual character: quirky, visionary and intuitive. Twenty-five years ago, he set out to introduce the quality of the wines of northern Portugal, while remaining faithful to Portuguese know-how and grape varieties. He has created a plethora of vintages (more than 50!) highlighting here a terroir, there a grape variety or unconventional winemaking. Faithful to ancestral Portuguese traditions, Mr Van der Niepoort makes his red wines by blending local grape varieties: touriga nacional, touriga franca, tinta roriz, alfrocheiro, baga, jaen...

Charme, based on Tinta Roriz, is a selection of the best barrels expressing the elegance and complexity of the coldest terroirs of the Rio Pinhão Valley in the heart of the Douro. The aromatic freshness magnificently envelops the fruit and gives tension to an intense and persistent whole. With its freshness and morello cherry aromas, this rare wine has Burgundian accents.

Taylor's is the most famous House producing so-called English style Ports, i. e. straight and slender (while Graham, the other big House of Porto, represents the Portuguese style, softer and sweeter).

Classic Vintage is a blend of their 3 historical quintas: Vargellas, Terra Feita and Junco. No vintage between 2011 and 2016.

Neal Martin (Vinous) rated the 2017 Vintage 98/100 and the 2018 Vintage 97/100 "white pepper mingles with black fruit in a very precise finish. Great class".

Taylor's is the most famous House producing so-called English style Ports, i. e. straight and slender (while Graham, the other big House of Porto, represents the Portuguese style, softer and sweeter).

Classic Vintage is a blend of their 3 historical quintas: Vargellas, Terra Feita and Junco. No vintage between 2011 and 2016.

Neal Martin (Vinous) rated the 2017 Vintage 98/100 and the 2018 Vintage 97/100 "white pepper mingles with black fruit in a very precise finish. Great class".

When Adrien David-Beaulieu, owner of Château Coutet, met the Shinko family, Japanese masters of soy sauce, he was inspired to produce soy sauces in Saint-Emilion. The manufacturing process is reminiscent of wine-making: fermentation of soy beans and wheat grains, maceration (up to 7 months) and aging (up to 18 months).

By importing from Japan the famous koji mushroom responsible for fermentation, selecting an organic cereal producer 14 km from his farm and a salt-maker on the Ile de Ré (the quality of the salt is a determining factor in soy sauce), Adrien David-Beaulieu has been proud to succeed in producing 'premium', local soy sauces since 2023. With their sweetness, intensity on the palate and aromatic complexity, these homemade sauces, which have nothing in common with industrial concoctions, bring all dishes (meat, fish, broths, marinades, vegetables...) into aromatic universes as original as they are rich in umami.

Black is the classic, full-bodied soy sauce, 50% wheat and 50% soy, aged 18 months in oak barrels. 

When Adrien David-Beaulieu, owner of Château Coutet, met the Shinko family, Japanese masters of soy sauce, he was inspired to produce soy sauces in Saint-Emilion. The manufacturing process is reminiscent of wine-making: fermentation of soy beans and wheat grains, maceration (up to 7 months) and aging (up to 18 months).

By importing from Japan the famous koji mushroom responsible for fermentation, selecting an organic cereal producer 14 km from his farm and a salt-maker on the Ile de Ré (the quality of the salt is a determining factor in soy sauce), Adrien David-Beaulieu has been proud to succeed in producing 'premium', local soy sauces since 2023. With their sweetness, intensity on the palate and aromatic complexity, these homemade sauces, which have nothing in common with industrial concoctions, bring all dishes (meat, fish, broths, marinades, vegetables...) into aromatic universes as original as they are rich in umami.

White is a rare soy sauce, 90% wheat and 10% soy, macerated and aged for 6 months in stainless steel tanks, with a milder, more delicate flavor. Both sauces can be refrigerated for 3 months after opening.