When I came over the high pass south into the Agly Valley in the 70s, I was captivated by the ancient vines on steep, terraced hills, topped by high, ruined castles. It was wild 'unknown' territory. That's where bestselling Cabalié, made by the legendary Hervé Sabardeil, is from. Hervé buys grapes for Cabalié from many vineyards, but the best grapes came from two vineyards of 100-year-old vines on schist/granite soils. They are two of France's oldest vineyards, lying on steep, terraced hillsides. When Hervé learned the farmer was retiring, he bought those two vineyards – and thus we have the 'Grand Cru' Origine … the purest essence of Cabalié … made solely from those two vineyards. It's a nearly all dark, spiced Carignan, with a few rows of silky Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre, which add to the incredibly rich fruit and luscious texture.
It's a cru area, with vineyards planted on the mountain's lower slopes. Warm sunny days and cold nights are perfect for bringing out the aroma, elegance and freshness in its grapes.
Fifth generation Didier Lefebvre's Château La Bégude was founded in 1896. Such is his passion for his mature vineyards, he has converted them all to organic.
He grows classic Provence varieties – Cinsault, Grenache and Carignan, with a sprinkle of Vermentino, Ugni Blanc, Syrah and Mourvèdre.
Picked early morning and cool fermented, it captures all the savoury berry freshness you'd expect of this great wine.
Since their wines first appeared in 2004, Château Vartely has established itself as one of Moldova’s top wineries. The winery controls 300 hectares of vines grown in conditions and soils very similar to the best of Bordeaux. Glowing online reviews every vintage prove that UK wine lovers have given this estate a big thumbs up. From grape harvesting to bottling, every step takes place under the watchful eye of Arcadie Fosnea, ‘Moldovan Winemaker of the Year’ in 2014. Having studied winemaking at Weinsberg, Germany, he has drawn worldwide acclaim for his skill at producing impressive wines.
Like this brilliantly fresh blend of native Feteasca Regala and crisp, grassy Sauvignon. Serve chilled on its own, with goat's cheese bake or with fish.
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