Catalog

In 20 years (first vintage in 1988), Mrs Chappaz has become the emblematic winemaker of Switzerland, like Mrs Bize-Leroy in Burgundy. In its 10 ha vineyard on the south-facing slopes of Fully, it seeks to express as well as possible the typicity and authenticity of each grape variety through ultra attentive viticulture (biodynamic since 2003).

Grain Pinot: parcel wines, 100% pinots noirs aged from 25 to 40 years, on limestone soil, aged 12 months in 100% new barrels. Chamoson, with its southern exposure, is the most appealing, while Charrat et Champ Dury, with their northern exposure (on the left bank of the Rhone), are fresher, more linear and tense.

Apart from its Spanish vineyards, Vega Sicilia is also a producer in Hungary in Tokaj. Mandelàs, named after the hill where the vines are located, is their dry white wine, 100% furmint aged 25 years, with aromas of grapefruit, apricot, mango and vanilla (fermented in new barrels), underpinned by a refreshing acidity. Like a crossing of Condrieu (on the nose) and Chablis (on the palate).

In the very north of Alsace, close to the Franco-German border, Domaine Becker is paradoxically renowned, not for its Rieslings, but for its Pinot Noirs. Sheltered from the Atlantic storms by the northern Vosges mountains and on a subsoil of shell limestone, the region around Wissembourg offers an excellent terroir for Pinot, made even more favourable by global warming. Domaine Becker wines have the depth, richness and aromatic distinction of perfectly ripe Pinots, while remaining elegant. At the same price, they can stand up to comparison with the 1st growths of the Côte d'Or.

This cuvée Pinot Noir is a blend of the young vines (20 to 40 years old, not so young), juicy on the palate (fresh cherry), fresh and elegant with a hint of vivacity on the finish, like a Volnay village.

In the very north ofAlsace, close to the Franco-German border, Domaine Becker is paradoxically renowned, not for its Rieslings, but for its Pinot Noirs. Sheltered from the Atlantic storms by the northern Vosges mountains and on a subsoil of shell limestone, the region around Wissembourg offers an excellent terroir for Pinot, made even more favourable by global warming. Domaine Becker wines have the depth, richness and aromatic distinction of perfectly ripe Pinots, while remaining elegant. At the same price, they can stand up to comparison with the 1st growths of the Côte d'Or.

Cuvée Kammerberg, made from Pinots planted in 1967, is the flagship of the Becker range. Opaque in colour, it is fruity, powerful and complex without being exuberant. The density is reminiscent of Pommard, while the structure is reminiscent of Gevrey-Chambertin. Bluffing!

Vayots Dzor may not be Armenia's largest wine-growing region, but it is undoubtedly its most prestigious, with a history dating back to the very origins of viticulture: the first known wine-making cellar can be found here, dating back to the 4th millennium BC. This high-altitude vineyard (1400m to 1650m), isolated from the rest of the world by its steep slopes, was spared phylloxera and is still entirely planted with ungrafted autochthonous grape varieties.

Karasi follows in the tradition of these ancient wines: 100% aréni noir (one of the oldest known grape varieties), organic viticulture, indigenous yeast fermentation, ageing in traditional amphorae (Karas)... A full-bodied, fleshy wine with aromas of blackcurrant, graphite and pepper.

Alberto Nanclares, an economist in Madrid in his previous life, fell in love in 1992 with albariño, a wonderful small grape variety that produces, in an Atlantic climate, eminently fresh dry white wines of great aromatic complexity (close to that of Viognier: honeysuckle, apricot, quince...). Today he produces in Galicia no less than 11 (!) micro-cuvées, all dedicated to albariño, fermented with indigenous yeasts, without settling, fining or filtration. His rise in quality is proportional to the minerality and aromatic persistence of the wines.

Tempus Vivendi, even if it is its entry level product, is a great albariño.

Alberto Nanclares, an economist in Madrid in his previous life, fell in love in 1992 with albariño, a wonderful small grape variety that produces, in an Atlantic climate, eminently fresh dry white wines of great aromatic complexity (close to that of Viognier: honeysuckle, apricot, quince...). Today he produces in Galicia no less than 11 (!) micro-cuvées, all dedicated to albariño, fermented with indigenous yeasts, without settling, fining or filtration. His rise in quality is proportional to the minerality and aromatic persistence of the wines.

Alberto Nanclares, an economist in Madrid in his first life, fell in love in 1992 with albariño, a wonderful small-grain variety that produces eminently fresh and complex dry white wines in the Atlantic climate (aromatic palette of viognier: honeysuckle, apricot, quince, etc.). Today, it produces no less than 8 (!) micro-vats dedicated to albariño in Galicia.

Paraje Mina (only 600 bottles), the most mineral, was rated 92/100 by Wine Advocate.

PSI (Peter Sisseck Initiative?) is the wine of a group of producers brought together by Mr. Sisseck according to precise specifications: tempranillo plots at least 30 years old, necessarily biodynamically grown, gentle extractions, long macerations and maturing practically without wood. A superior fruity wine, fine and with a great tannic softness.

Amazing story as that of Dominio de Pingus. Created in 1995 by Peter Sisseck, a Danish (!), this estate a few kilometres from Vega Sicilia has become a cult in less than 15 years.

Flor de Pingus is the second wine, coming from the Dominio de Pingus and neighbouring parcels acquired by fermage, 100% tempranillo 35 to 50 years old, biodynamic since 2005. Delicious and elegant, Flor is a modern vision of Ribera del Duero.

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.

In the heart of Priorat, Gratallops is an emblematic village like Margaux in the heart of the Médoc. This Vi de Villa (= village wine in Catalan) comes from 10 plots, 66% grenache, 34% carignan, complex, long, powerful and with a beautiful freshness and minerality giving it energy and dynamism.

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.

In the heart of Priorat, Gratallops is an emblematic village like Margaux in the heart of the Médoc. This Vi de Villa (= village wine in Catalan) comes from 10 plots, 66% grenache, 34% carignan, complex, long, powerful and with a beautiful freshness and minerality giving it energy and dynamism.

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.

Finca Dofì is the benchmark wine of Álvaro Palacios, which has contributed at least as much to its fame as L'Ermita. A 10 ha vineyard, 85% Grenache, 15% Carignan, the most voluptuous wine of the range, deep, generous and with perfectly coated tannins. Like a sensual Châteauneuf-du-Pape.  

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.

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.

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. 

In addition to the red wines that place the estate at the top of the Piedmont wine scene, Vietti also produces a fresh and delicate dry white wine with a hint of bitterness (green almond) from the Arneis grape (otherwise known as Nebbiolo bianco). Worth discovering!

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).

As Antonio Galloni, our most qualified American taster of Italian wines, wrote: "Pliant and racy, Perbacco is a terrific introduction to the wines of Vietti ».

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. 

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. 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".