Vines have been planted in this very southerly part of the Rhône since Roman times. They certainly knew a thing or two about making wine, so it’s safe to bet that this terroir is spot on for great wine! Typically, when you think of the Rhône you think of Syrah and Grenache. But award-winning winemaker Thierry Ferlay has shown that, in fact, Bordeaux's Merlot ripens perfectly in his local vineyards, not far from Châteauneuf.
Using old-vine fruit for extra intensity, he has created a silky red with plum and blackberry notes and a hint of pepper and liquorice. Easy going and fruity, it makes a delicious glassful on its own as well as a great stand by for mid-week suppers from sausages to shepherd's pie. A top choice for a barbecue too.
This is one of those 'under-the-radar' regions I love to search out, home to the finest quality wines, but not so well-known. As Wine International says, "If it weren't for the [political] line dividing Castillon from Saint-Émilion, its wines would be twice the price. The hills are the same, the soil is the same, the exposure is the same." The estate has won over 150 awards, including the Paris Lauréat Prix d'Excellence – not once, but twice – and Decanter magazine calls it the "leading estate in the Côtes de Castillon". La Clarière is our flagship wine and absolutely no expense is spared. Low yields, careful hand-sorting, months ageing in the finest new French oak, and rigorous tasting ensure only the best parcels become La Clarière. Mostly Merlot, silky, elegant, and supple, with a dash of Cabernet Sauvignon for structure, and slightly portioned Malbec and Cabernet Franc for balance. It's truly magnificent!
Golds and many high scores for this luxurious Premier Cru, pure Chardonnay Champagne – rich and long.
Paul Goerg is a leading independent Champagne house, as this Premier Cru testifies. Owned by eight grower families, it was voted by Le Guide Hachette as the top Champagne out of 100 tasted – above vintage Veuve Clicquot and equal to Krug. Goerg is named after a respected 19th century mayor of Vertus, located in the famous Côte des Blancs. Here, Chardonnay is king and an impressive 85% of it is classified as Premier Cru.
The elegance, finesse and purity of this variety is the hallmark of the Goerg style, enriched here with 40-50% reserve wine. The chalky soils of Vertus lend a rich, yet refreshingly mineral quality, while three years’ ageing adds considerably to the wine’s complexity. Superb for celebrations and lovely with oysters.
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Until 1997, Château Haut Brisson was an 8-hectare estate in the Vignonet section of Saint Emilion. New owner Peter Kwok was keen to expand its vineyards and the range of terroir, so began to buy up vine parcels to make it up to the 18 hectares it has today. Judging by today's scores and the quality of the wine, Kwok purchased wisely and quality has soared. Today it is under the ownership of Stephane Schinazi and continues its stellar projection, with Michel Rolland as consultant.
All its top grapes go into this wine (they no longer make La Réserve), ageing 30% of it in new French barriques, so as not to overwwhelm the fruit with oak notes. Now certified organic, with the aim of going biodynamic too, the 2020 is a magnificent wine.
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Say 'elegant French pink' and you're likely to head straight for Provence. But don't forget Corsica and its Île de Beauté. This beautiful island also makes very fine, delicate rosé, as you'll find in this berry fresh and citrus crisp 2020.
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With four Trophies and 80+ Golds, Château La Clarière is clear proof that Castillon wines can surpass those of Grand Cru St-Émilion. La Clarière deserves its title as “leading estate in Côtes de Castillon” (Decanter).
Touraine winemaker Noël Bougrier searches out the best grapes for this tongue tingling, citrusy, aromatic white that now comes in a handy can. Lemony fresh and super grassy the 2020 received high praise from critics scoring Gold this year.
Sauvignon Blanc made exclusively for us by our trusted friend Franck Chatelain at Bougrier’s renowned cellar in the Touraine. The original Abbesse was one Louise de Bourbon of the nearby Abbaye de Fontevraud and a major figure in Loire history. This delicious expression of the region’s reigning grape, Sauvignon Blanc, is a fitting tribute to her. Making wine accessible, sustainable, and convenient for all, the Bougrier family have now captured their crisp white in a can. The new nicely portable size also accentuates the crisp, lemony fruit and zippy freshness of the wine. No longer do you need to remember to pack a corkscrew on a picnic. Just pop a can into your basket and crack it open under the sun, once you've found your perfect spot!
