FRANCE
RHÔNE VALLEY, PROVENCE, LANGUEDOC, MINERVOIS
DOMAINE GUY FARGE, RHÔNE - NORTH (St JEAN DE MUZOLS, HERMITAGE)
History:
- The first winemaker of the Farge family started his activity in 1920 with 12 hectares. After 3 generations of growing vines and being part of the Coopérative, Guy Farge decided to vinify his grapes himself and in 2007 created his first cuvée. Since then, he constantly enhanced the quality of his vines, bringing more methods from organic viticulture and reintroducing the work with the horse in his plots. In 2018 his son Thomas came back from Chicago where he did his MBA and has now taken the reins at the estate. Thomas brings ambition, ideas and a clear vision of what he wants his wines to be.
The Domaine & the philosophy:
- The estate now represents 22 hectares and the vines spread over several appellations including Saint Joseph, Condrieu, Cornas and Saint Péray. The range typifies the red and white wines of the Ardeche region, expressed in his beautifully crafted red and white generic Ardeche wines. Farge also has some vines in Saint- Peray and makes a lovely example from silex soils. Perhaps it is his glorious red and white Saint-Josephs that speak loudest. Vinostito’s preference has always been to work with wine makers whose passion is soil & typicity, thus producing wines which are alive, vivid, strikingly fresh (as in airy, energetic and transparent), mineral and speak of their origin. This is the Farge mantra and you will find all of these qualities and characteristics in his wines.
The Press:
- “These are brilliant examples of the terroir of the northern Rhone. White and red are equally impressive. The domaine has increased its international footprint under Thomas. If you are a fan of this appellation, do not miss Farge’s superb offerings”. Wine Spectator.
ARDECHE "BOUQUET DE BLANC"
Ref.: Y0000030 Vintage: 2019
Grape Varietals: Viognier / Roussanne / Marsanne
SAINT PERAY "GRAIN DE SILEX"
Ref.: Y0000036 Vintage: 2018
Grape Varietals: Marsanne / Roussanne
SAINT PERAY "GRAIN DE SILEX"
Ref.: Y0000037 Vintage: 2019
Grape Varietals: Marsanne / Roussanne
SAINT JOSEPH "VANIA"
Ref.: Y0000188 Vintage: 2018
Grape Varietals: Marsanne / Roussanne
FARGE IGP COLLINES RHODANIENNES ROUGE
Ref.: Y0000028 Vintage: 2021
Grape Varietals: Syrah
SAINT JOSEPH "TERROIR DE GRANIT"
Ref.: Y0000034 Vintage: 2020
Grape Varietals: Syrah
SAINT JOSEPH 'TERROIR DE GRANIT'
Ref.: Y0000034 Vintage: 2019
Grape Varietals: Syrah
FARGE ST JOSEPH "PASSION DE TERRASES"
Ref.: Y0000095 Vintage: 2019
Grape Varietals: Syrah
CORNAS "HARMONIE"
Ref.: Y0000035 Vintage: 2019
Grape Varietals: Syrah
MARTIN TEXIER, RHÔNE - NORTH (ST. JULIEN - EN - SAINT - ALBAN)
Martin Texier (son of Eric, the now famous northern Rhône natural wine producer) began making wine in 2015 after a previous life studying economics. He now has five hectares in and around St.-Julien-en-St.-Alban, planted to classic Rhône varieties, both red and white. There are many different soil types here: clay, limestone, gneiss, schist and granite, making for a wide range of different styles of wine to be made. Martin’s passion is to revive the local traditions of working the natural way, both in the vines and in the cellar (native yeast fermentations, no sulphur). The results he has been getting this early in his career are a clear testament to his skills. The wines are exceptional.
“I settled in 2015 in Saint Julien en Saint Alban in the Northern Rhône Valley, first working on my own project for 3 years and then in 2018 I also taking over my father’s vines. I am now working organically 10 hectares of vineyards. My goal is to make wine as simply as possible and cuvées that I like to drink. Through my short experience and my father's, I adapt my cuvées each year to be as close as I can to the style I like”.
Some parcels I planted on my return are now reaching production and it's really gratifying. I am now thinking of planting new varietals and to diversify with olives and fruits. My girlfriend with whom I live, raises goats, makes goat cheese, and grows chestnuts. I spend part of my time helping her on her farm.” Everything here is at one with nature. The wines speak of their origin.
LA ROUVIERE BLANC
Ref.: V0004910 Vintage: 2021
Grape Varietals:
PREYNA ROUGE
Ref.: V0004911 Vintage: 2021
Grape Varietals: Cinsault / Grenache
BRÉZEME ROUGE "VIGNE DE LA CARRIÉRE"
Ref.: V0004913 Vintage: 2020
Grape Varietals: Syrah
DOMAINE MONTIRIUS, RHÔNE - SOUTH (GIGONDAS, VACQUEYRAS)
Montirius covers the wine classification areas of Gigondas, Vacqueyras and Côtes du Rhône. Christine and Eric Saurel are the fifth generation of winemakers who took over the family Domaine in 1996.
After meeting François Bouchet (a biodynamic winemaker from the Loire) in 1996 they converted their 60-hectare farm to biodynamic viticulture. The maturation is done exclusively in concrete vats without interior coating and in bottles, to allow the full expression of the fruit. Montirius wines are characterized by their transparency, balance, freshness and minerality. While being approachable early on the release, they also age superbly (particularly the very special and rare Vacqueyras Blanc “Mineral”).
MONTIRIUS VACQUEYRAS ROUGE "LE VILLAGE"
White
Ref.: V0001152 Vintage: 2020
Grape Varietals: Grenache, Syrah
MONTIRIUS VACQUEYRAS ROUGE "GARRIGUES"
Red
Ref.: V0001153 Vintage: 2019
Grape Varietals: Grenache, Syrah
MONTIRIUS GIGONDAS ROUGE "LA TOUR"
Red
Ref.: V0001154 Vintage: 2020
Grape Varietals: Grenache, Mouvedre
DOMAINE ROCHE-AUDRAN
VINCENT ROCHETTE, RHÔNE - SOUTH (BUISSON)
Domaine Roche-Audran was established in 1998, the year in which I decided to leave the cooperative winery system in order to produce my own wines and explore the specific characteristics of my vines. The estate was initially purchased by my grandfather over half a century ago and today the vineyard has vines aged from 35 years old up to nearly one hundred years old. By respecting my vineyards and preserving the harmony of the ecosystem, I strive to make wines which are true expression of the place. I only use natural products for fertilization and plant protection. Since 2006 we employ biodynamic principles throughout the vineyards. Furthermore, for many years now, all the activities in the vineyard and the winery are conducted in harmony with cosmic cycles. It is my pleasure to introduce you to our wines. Vincent Rochette.
MERLOT. IGP MEDITERRANE
Red
Ref.: V0004179 Vintage: 2020
Grape Varietals: Merlot
CÔTES-DU-RHÔNE
Red
Ref.: V0000533 Vintage: 2021
Grape Varietals: Grenache, Carignan, Syrah
VISAN, CÔTES-DU-RHÔNE VILLAGES
Red
Ref.: V0000536 Vintage: 2021
Grape Varietals: Grenache, Syrah, Mouvèdre
CÔTES-DU-RHÔNE "NATURE"
Red
Ref.: V0000850 Vintage: 2021
Grape Varietals: Grenache, Syrah
CHATEAUNEUF DU PAPE ROUGE
Red
Ref.: V0000849 Vintage: 2019
Grape Varietals: Grenache
SAINT ANDRÉ DE FIGUIÈRE, COTES DE PROVENCE (VAR)
Saint André de Figuière is located between the Mediterranean Sea and the Massif of the Maures, around the village of La Londe les Maures. The property covers 70 hectares, of which 45 are planted with vines surrounded by pine trees, cork oaks, strawberry trees, and eucalyptus. The soils are composed of mica and schist, with a low clay and humus content. Saint André de Figuière has been using organic methods of farming for more than 25 years and is and is certified by ECOCERT. The region experiences some of the longest “sunshine hours” in France, which enables optimal ripening of the fruit. Sun, unique soil type and the influence of sea breezes, all contribute to the exceptional wines being made there.
ROSÉ MEDITERRANÉE
Rose
Ref.: V0000540 Vintage: 2022
Grape Varietals: Grenache, Cinsault, Syrah, Cab
ROSÉ PREMIÈRE DE FIGUIERE
Rose
Ref.: V0000541 Vintage: 2021
Grape Varietals: Mourvedre, Cinsault, Grenache
ROUGE MÉDITERRANÈE RED
Rose
Ref.: V0004948 Vintage: 2021
Grape Varietals: Cabernet, Cinsault, Syrah, Cab
MAGNUM ROSÉ MEDITERRANÈE
Rose
Ref.: V0001340 Vintage: 2021
Grape Varietals: Grenache, Cinsault, Syrah, Cab
DOMAINE TEMPIER, BANDOL
Wine has been made in Domaine Tempier as far back as 1834, but the winery owes its iconic status to Lucien and Lucy (Lulu) Peyraud – a charismatic couple who inherited the Domaine in the 1930ies. For decades, they worked tirelessly, placing Bandol on the map of the finest wines of France and reclaiming the reputation of Mourvedre – the principal grape variety of the area. 38 hectares of the Tempier’s vines are planted on a mixture of clay and limestone, mostly on the terraced slopes. Predominating Mourvèdre is supplemented by Grenache, Cinsault, Syrah and Carignan, while the white varieties are in minority. The grapes bask in full sun and the cooling sea breezes bring much needed relief to the vines. Farming has always been organic, so the move to biodynamics over the last ten years came naturally.
While Domaine Tempier is perhaps most known for the textural, food friendly Bandol Rosé enjoying a cult – like status, the age worthy, rich and savoury reds they make are without a doubt in a league of their own!
BANDOL BLANC
White
Ref.: V0004296 Vintage: 2021
Grape Varietals: Clairette, Ugni blanc, Rolle Bourboulenc, Marsanne
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BANDOL ROSÉ
Rose
Ref.: V0004297 Vintage: 2022
Grape Varietals: Mourvedre, Grenacha, Cinsault
CUVÉE CLASSIQUE BANDOL ROUGE "LULU&LUCIEN"
Red
Ref.: V0004991 Vintage: 2020
Grape Varietals: Mourvedre, Grenacha, Cinsault, Carignan
CUVÉE LA MIGOUA BANDOL ROUGE
Red
Ref.: V0004300 Vintage: 2018
Grape Varietals: Mourvedre, Grenacha, Cinsault
CUVÉE LA MIGOUA BANDOL ROUGE
Red
Ref.: V0004778 Vintage: 2019
Grape Varietals: Mourvedre, Grenacha, Cinsault
CUVÉE LA MIGOUA BANDOL ROUGE
Red
Ref.: V0004994 Vintage: 2020
Grape Varietals: Mourvedre, Syrah, Cinsault
CUVÉE LA TOURTINE BANDOL ROUGE
Red
Ref.: V0004301 Vintage: 2018
Grape Varietals: Mourvedre, Grenacha, Carignan
CUVÉE LA TOURTINE BANDOL ROUGE
Red
Ref.: V00043779 Vintage: 2019
Grape Varietals: Mourvedre, Grenacha, Carignan
CUVÉE LA TOURTINE BANDOL ROUGE
Red
Ref.: V0004995 Vintage: 2020
Grape Varietals: Mourvedre, Syrah, Cinsault
CUVÉE CABASSAOU BANDOL ROUGE
Red
Ref.: V0004302 Vintage: 2019
Grape Varietals: Mourvedre, Syrah, Cinsault
CUVÉE CABASSAOU BANDOL ROUGE
Red
Ref.: V0004993 Vintage: 2020
Grape Varietals: Mourvedre, Syrah, Cinsault
ANNE GROS-JEAN PAUL TOLLOT, MINERVOIS (CAZELLES)
A Burgundian in the Languedoc!
Though synonymous with Burgundy, Anne Gros and husband Jean-Paul Tollot (of Tollot-Beaut fame) have been cultivating vines in the Cazelles area of the Minervois since 2010. They chose Cazelles for the diversity of its soils, comprising limestone, clay and sandstone and for the privileged environment at the foot of the Black Mountain and it’s altitude of 220 metres (identical to Vosne- Romanée). The region boasts the cool elegance of Burgundy and the warm soul of southern France.
It is not unfair to say that Gros was “taken aback” at first by the press resistance to her pricing. The press said pricing was above the traditional range. Gros replied that the quality of her wines was above the traditional range, citing Mas de Daumas Gassac and other vin de pays as “out-performers” in their respective regions and which command higher pricing. Gros produces a quality unrivalled in the Minervois and her arrival has caused quite a stir. Several years on and Gros’s Minervois wines have come to be recognised as a benchmark and prove the point that the region has outstanding potential. Interestingly, all the wines have Gros’s signature elegant stamp. Quality follows Anne Gros in everything she produces.
LA 50 / 50
Red
Ref.: Y0000195 Vintage: 2021
Grape Varietals: Grenache, Syrah, Carignan
CÔTES DU BRIAN "LA CINSO"
Red
Ref.: Y0000192 Vintage: 2021
Grape Varietals: Cinsault
MINERVOIS "LES FONTANILLES"
Red
Ref.: Y0000122 Vintage: 2020
Grape Varietals: Syrah, Grenache, Carignan, Cinsault
MUSCAT DE ST JEAN DE MINERVOIS "LA FRIVOLE'"
White
Ref.: Y0000047 Vintage: 2019
Grape Varietals: Muscat
CHATEAU D'OUPIA,
MINERVOIS (OUPIA)
Everyone talks about the new quality of wines from the Languedoc. For Vinostito, this does not mean the ubiquitous varietal bottlings from irrigated flat vineyards but the wonderful wines coming from the best hillside vineyard sites in AOCs like Minervois, Corbières and Coteaux-du-Languedoc. And Château d’Oupia is one of the best.
André Iché passed away in 2007 and was succeeded by his daughter Marie-Pierre, who has expanded the vineyard holdings and now vinifies several cuvées of Minervois. The wines are only released when the estate deems them ready for drinking.
The entry level Ch d’Oupia ‘Tradition’ is 60% Carignan (from vineyards up to 100 years old), 30% Syrah and 10% Grenache. It is aromatic, full, densely coloured, with a long finish of dark fruits. The wine is mineral, balanced and enjoyable to drink young or aged. “Robert Parker has consistently praised this estate and rated the “Tradition” a “best buy.” He wrote: “Château d’Oupia has produced the ideal bistro wine. Dark, ruby-coloured, wonderfully clean and pure, with an exuberant personality and gobs of rich, peppery, red and black fruit... Bravo to proprietor Iché!”
The Ch d’Oupia ‘Barons’, from several parcels of old vines, has 50% Syrah, 35% Carignan & 15% Grenache, sees 20 months of barrel aging and is a rich, beautifully textured wine of black fruits, blueberry and spice. Velvety tannins. This is a remarkable cuvée & great value for the quality.
CHATEAU D'OUPIA 'ROUGE'
Ref.: Y0000062 Vintage: 2020
Grape Varietals: Carignan / Grenache, Syrah
CHATEAU D'OUPIA 'BARONS'
Ref.: Y0000059 Vintage: 2017
Grape Varietals: Syrah, Carignan
OPPIUS
Ref.: Y0000061 Vintage: 2014
Grape Varietals: Syrah
MEMOIRE D'ANDRÉ
Ref.: Y0000060 Vintage: 2017
Grape Varietals: Syrah
DOMAINE DES DEUX CLÉS, GAËLLE&FLORIEN RICHTER, CORBIÈRES (FONTJONCOUSE)
Domaine de Deux Cles is a realisation of a dream for the young couple Gaëlle and Florian Richter who met while doing an internship in Burgundy’s Maison Champy, where they both got fascinated with the concept of biodynamic viticulture. In 2012 they moved to Languedoc in search of the land, planning to start their own winemaking adventure... Three years later they were able to purchase 12.5 hectares of old vines and settled down in the tiny, remote village of Fontjoncouse, nestled among the rugged landscape of Hautes- Corbieres. Their unique vineyards are spread over several valleys, mostly with north – north-eastern exposure and altitudes of 250- 350m, which provides a unique microclimate, one of the freshest terroirs in the region.
We have instantly fallen in love with the range of their authentic, transparent wines which reflect the uniqueness of the place in the best possible way. Although the way Gaëlle and Florian are working is inspired by Burgundy, their wines have their own identity: southern French concentration, purity as well as freshness and finesse!
CLES EN MAIN ROUGE VdF
Red
Ref.: V0004454 Vintage: 2021
Grape Varietals: Picpoul Noir, Grenache
CORBIÉRES ROUGE
Red
Ref.: V0004452 Vintage: 2021
Grape Varietals: Carignan, Syrah, Grenach
CORBIÉRES BLANC
White
Ref.: V0004929 Vintage: 2021
Grape Varietals: Macabeu, Grenache Blanc, Rolle, Grenache Gris
JEUX DE CLÉS BLANC ROUSSANNE VdF
Rose
Ref.: V0004931 Vintage: 2021
Grape Varietals: Roussanne
RESERVE ROUGE IGP VALLÉE DU PARADIS
Red
Ref.: V0004757 Vintage: 2019
Grape Varietals: Carignac, Grenache Noir
LES VIGNOBLES MONTAGNAC, PICPOUL DE PINET
The Montagnac Cellar was created in 1937 in the commune of Montagnac. Nowadays its land covers the areas along the lake Thau and the mountainous terrain on the right shore of Herault. Around 2000 hectares of vines, are planted across two different sites, with the one close to Montagnac being the main place of activity. The main part of the vineyards consists of marl containing, clay - limestone soil. A dry and hot Mediterranean climate is tempered by the proximity to the sea, providing the optimal conditions for viticulture. As the old story goes, the Picpoul grape, at the time of harvest, was so sweet and tasty that the local poultry could not resist it. This is how the name Pique Poule was born. With time, it has been modified as Piquepoul and the AOC Picpoul de Pinet was created.
PICPOUL LES MOUGINELS
White
Ref.: V0000482 Vintage: 2022
Grape Varietals: Piquepoul Blanc