MONTIRIUS, AOC GIGONDAS, AOC VACQUEYRAS, AOC CÔTES-DU-RHÔNE

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”).

DOMAINE ROCHE-AUDRAN

VINCENT ROCHETTE, AOC CÔTES-DU-RHÔNE

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.

SAINT ANDRÉ DE FIGUIÈRE, AOC CÔTES DE PROVENCE, IGP 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 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.

DOMAINE DES DEUX CLÉS, GAËLLE&FLORIEN RICHTER, AOC CORBIERES

 NEW   CHATEAU D'OUPIA, 
MINERVOIS (OUPIA)

André Iché, who passed away in November of 2007, was a legend in the Languedoc. He inherited a 13th century castle and a large estate in the barren Minervois region, tended his very old vines and made wines which he sold initially in bulk to local négociants. Years later, a Burgundian winemaker happened to taste his wine in Oupia and was so enthused that he convinced Iché to bottle and market his production. His Minervois wines have garnered rave reviews as a “best value” by numerous publications. His daughter Marie-Pierre has since taken over responsibilities and has continued the style and philosophy. These wines are a 'sure bet' for quality and unbeatable value.

 NEW  ANNE GROS-JEAN PAUL TOLLOT, MINERVOIS (CAZELLES)

Anne Gros and Jean Paul Tollot, two winegrowers in Burgundy for over 30 years, have combined their expertise to work the terroirs in Cazelles, in the Minervois. “We chose Cazelles for the diversity of its soil, made of limestone, clay and sandstone, for the discovery of 4 main cépages (Carignan, Grenache, Syrah and Cinsault), for the quality and the wide age range of its vines, the privileged environment at the foot of the Black Mountain and it's altitude of 220 metres (identical to Vosne- Romanée)”.

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The cool elegance of Burgundy, the warm soul of southern France, winemaker Anne Gros is without question crafting some of the most harmonious, captivating red blends in the Languedoc today. This breath-taking region boasts exceptional terroir, as both limestone and chalk-rich fossils are abundant. Cooler temperatures allow grapes to ripen slowly, the result being balanced, mineral-infused wines without excessive levels of alcohol.

 NEW  DOMAINE GUY FARGE, 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 - always a tell- tale sign of recognition. If you are a fan of this appellation, do not miss Farge’s superb offerings”... Wine Spectator.

 NEW   MARTIN TEXIER, RHONE (BREZEME) 

“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 and making all the wine in my cellar. A part of the production is then taken by my father for his cuvées, and I keep the other half for my own line of wines.

My goal is to make wine as simply as possible and cuvées that I like to drink. Through my little experience and my father's, I adapt my cuvées each year to be as close as I can to the style I like.

I have just finished building my new cellar, a project that has taken me several years to develop and 18 months in the making…

Some parcels I have planted while settling are reaching production these years 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.”