Catalog

In 20 years, Ms Chappaz has become Switzerland's emblematic winemaker, following the example of Ms Bize-Leroy in Burgundy. In her 10-hectare vineyard on the south-facing slopes of Fully, she strives to give full expression to the typicity and authenticity of each grape variety through ultra-careful viticulture (biodynamic since 2003).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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 is not Armenia's largest wine-growing region, but it is undoubtedly the most prestigious, with a history dating back to the very origins of viticulture: it is home to the first known wine cellar, dating from the 4th millennium BC. This high-altitude vineyard (1,400m to 1,650m), isolated from the world by its steep terrain, has never been affected by phylloxera and is still entirely planted with ungrafted indigenous grape varieties.

Produced with two indigenous grape varieties, Voskeat and Garandmak, Voskì is a vibrant dry white wine (12.5% alcohol) with a lively freshness that is not without generosity. It has a beautiful aromatic expression, sappy and finely acidic (lemon, grapefruit, broom), reminiscent of the Vermentinos of Provence.

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.

Les Terrasses comes from old north-facing vines, 50% Grenache and 50% Carignan, with aromas of ripe fruit (black cherry), round and suave without any heaviness.

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.

In the heart of Priorat, Gratallops is an emblematic village, like Margaux in the Médoc. This Vi de Villa (= village wine in Catalan) comes from 5 parcels ranging in altitude from 300 to 430m. With 80% Grenache and 19% Carignan (the remaining 1% being white grapes), it's a complex, long and powerful wine, with a beautiful freshness and minerality giving it energy and dynamism.

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."