Our Producers
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CHAMPAGNE DEHOURS et Fils
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Vallée de la Marne
Champagne, FRANCE
The W estate was founded by Jérôme’s grandfather Ludovic Dehours in 1930, and was among the first independent growers. Jérôme’s father Robert took over the reins, but unfortunately passed awa
y when Jérôme was young, and a group of financial partners took control of the business. In 1996, Dehours was able to take the estate back into family hands and began a renewed focus on sustainable viticulture with an increasing emphasis on expressing the attributes of individual terroir.
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CHAMPAGNE J.L VERGNONMesnil sur Oger
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Champagne, FRANCE
One of the finest Chardonnay villages, JL Vergnon champagnes located in the heart of Côte des Blancs, have been committed for five generations in the development of champagnes marked with tradition; a philosophy cherished by their founder Jean-Louis Vergnon that is still carried on by the current generation.
The Chardonnay has mineral tones, coupled with balance and elegance. These champagnes come from a vineyard of a single grape variety. Classified as Grand Cru 100% Blanc de Blancs, epitomises unique thirty year old chardonnays, grown on different plots facing East on a calcareous soil.
The result is a coherent wine range, each with its own strong characteristics.
Côte du Nuits
Burgundy, FRANCE
Claude knows every inch of his vineyards and it is this zeal and fanaticism that makes his wines so extraordinary. The key to Dugat’s quality is the raw material, from vines that naturally produce small berries through control of vigour. He has now passed on his knowledge and gradual control of the Domaine to his wife and three children. Praised by fans around the world, Claude Dugat always demonstrated unparalleled humility despite the fame that he is known for.
The wines perfectly express the beauty and strength of the Gevrey-Chambertin terroir. Behind the immediate pleasure, it links to the bright fruitiness of Pinot Noir.
Côte de Beaune
Burgundy, FRANCE
Domaine Remoissenet is undoubtedly one of Burgundy’s most venerable producers. With the groundwork for the winery laid in the early 1800s by Pierre Remoissenet; a respected cooper, taster and broker in the town of Beaune. A visit to their ancient 14th century cellars below the town of Beaune reveals nearly 1,000,000 bottles of Premier and Grand Cru bottles dating back to the early 20th century. For years Remoissenet built its reputation on older reserves and negociant wines.
Since being purchased in 2005 by a group of investors led by the Milstein brothers of New York and Todd Halpern of Toronto, the estate has experienced a renaissance with the focus of returning Remoissenet to the list of elite producers of the Cote d’Or.
Bernard Repolt, the architect of the success in some of the greatest negoce houses in Burgundy was promptly engaged and has revitalized the winery and business operations.
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DOMAINE FRANÇOIS MIKULSKI
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Côte de Beaune
Burgundy, FRANCE
François Mikulski is one of the new generation of Burgundy winemakers that has emerged over recent years. François began by working the vines of his uncle, Pierre Boillot, eventually taking on the wine-making. Although François took over the Domaine in 1991-1992, the Pierre Boillot label continued until Pierre’s death in 2004.
Domaine François Mikulski was founded in 1992 and the Domaine has 7 hectares of vineyards that stretch over ten different appellations, mainly in Meursault. All the vines are farmed organically with mind of the lunar calendar.
François Mikulski is now recognized as one of Meursault’s superstars and his wines express a tension between explosive aromatics, sumptuous textures and crackling mineral qualities.
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DOMAINE GLANTENAY et Fils
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Côte de Beaune
Burgundy, FRANCE
The notion of terroir is essential to wine quality and it is necessary to clarify that the clay-limestone soils of Volnay and Pommard are located at mid-slope, exposing the vineyard microclimate. Thus, the vines drawn from this land not only embody elegance and finesse of Volnay, but also the power of Pommards and tannins. The grapes give life to a body, color and unique flavours.
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DOMAINE HENRI & GILLES BUISSON
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Saint Romain, Côte de Beaune
Burgundy, FRANCE
The Buisson family has been present in the village of Saint Romain in the Cote d’Or since the 12th century. In 1947, Henri and Marguerite Buisson began bottling their wines at the Domaine and selling it under their own label.
Since the 1970s the vineyards have been worked according to organic principles. As of 2009, the estate was officially certified organic by the ECOCERT organization.
The vineyards of Saint Romain are often overlooked since they are located to the west of some of the most famous vineyards of Cote de Beaune and are somewhat isolated in a valley tucked away on the road that runs from Meursault and Volnay through Auxey Duresses and then on to Saint Romain. This appellation, however, deserves considerably more attention as the exposure of the vineyards is excellent, the slopes are steep and the soil is a mix of clay, limestone and marne. The slightly cooler temperatures result in a longer growing season and wines that carry a pleasant and refreshing level of acidity.
The Buisson Domaine is a fine source of terroir-expressive wines that offer outstanding value.
Côte de Beaune
Burgundy, FRANCE
In 2005, Marc and Alex Bachelet formed their Domaine with the support of their father and uncle Monnot. Given the combination of noteworthy vineyards, an excellent vintage and the brothers’ attention to detail in the vines and the cellar, the first release of the Domaine’s Puligny wines garnered immediate recognition, locally as well as internationally. In the conservative world of Burgundy’s top communes, such rapid rise to prominence is as rare as it is telling. The brothers have quickly cemented Domaine Bachelet-Monnot as one of the best estates in the Côte de Beaune.
The Domaine spans over 20 hectares of vines. No herbicides are used and the rows are plowed regularly to manage weeds, aerate the soil and cut the horizontal roots to encourage deep growth.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Rhone Valley, FRANCE
Clos des Brusquieres is one of the few Chateuneuf du Pape producers that makes only one wine. The estate produces a red Chateauneuf du Pape which is usually a blend of grapes that feature 80%
Grenache, 10%
Syrah and 10%
Mourvedre. The vines are old at close to 85 years of age.
Clos des Brusquieres owns 9 hectares of vines in Chateauneuf du Pape. Most of their vines are situated in Brusquieres, hence the name. Some fans of this estate have nicknamed the wine the poor man’s
Bonneau, referring to Henri Bonneau. This is because the owner is related to Henri Bonneau. Henri Bonneau is the uncle and godfather to Claude Courtil, the owner. Claude Courtil learned much of what he knows about wine making from Henri Bonneau.
On average the production of Clos des Brusquieres is close to 2,500 cases of wine per year.
Ardeche
Rhône Valley, FRANCE
A remarkable Rhône Domaine. Mas de Libian is an organic farm set on a plateau in the rocky terrain of the Ardèche. The vineyard and farm work at Mas de Libian is decidedly old school. The vines are hand-tended throughout the season and harvested, while the family horse still makes it through the vineyards from time to time, pulling the plough. No chemicals are used and very low yields are the norm.
The hallmark of the Libian wines is vibrancy and vitality of fruit. They are fresh, brightly fruited and crunchy wines that clearly reflect an intuitive and honest dedication to the Domaine’s stony terroir and gnarled old vines.
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DOMAINE GRAMENON & MAXIME-FRANCOIS LAURENT
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Montbrison
Rhône Valley, FRANCE
Back in December 1978, a barn and 12 hectares of old vines in Montbrison was purchased by Philippe Laurent and Michèle Aubéry-Laurent. From the very first year, the full harvest was vinified and the first cuvee was issued in 1979, of which the cuvee earned “Ceps Centenaires”.
Time passed and further plantations have extended the surface of the vineyard, as well as the purchase of several plots of land (4.5 hectares) in 1999 on the terroir of Vinsobres. When Philippe accidentally passed on at the end of 1999, Michèle decided to keep up to job alone. Maxime-François, one of her three children, joined her in Gramenon in 2006 and started a little wine merchant business at the same time. In 2007, the purchase of a land on the high plateau of Valréas increased the total surface of cultivation up to 25 hectares.
Bormes-les-Mimosas
Côtes de Provence, FRANCE
Seduced by Léoube’s history, potential and beautiful setting, Lord and Lady Bamford purchased the estate in 1997. Their aim was to make wines with the essence true to the terroir, and to develop the estate’s olive oil production.
The Bamfords followed a quality-oriented and environmentally friendly approach, which started in the UK more than 25 years ago with Daylesford Organic. Implementation of their ethos began 10 years ago with the recruitment of Romain Ott, an agricultural engineer specializing in winemaking. He oversaw Léoube’s rejuvenation with enthusiasm and great attachment to the family philosophy. The vineyard is certified organic and follows strict biodynamic principles.
What they have produced is a refreshing, cheerful Provence rose wine showing the maritime influence, and keeping that exquisite summer feeling alive with floral and citrus aromas.
Romain Ott, Léoube’s head winemaker and alchemist, maintains that you can drink it all year round as a perfect dinner party wine.
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DOMAINE PLAGEOLES-TERROIRIST
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Gaillac
Sud-Ouest, FRANCE
The extraordinary wines crafted at Plageoles represent some of the finest wines made in Gaillac today, and receives much well-deserved praise.
Bernard Plageoles is continuing the work of his father Robert, an outspoken advocate for natural wines with centuries old approach to winemaking. Robert researched and replanted over a dozen grape varieties (7 in the Mauzac family alone) indigenous to Gaillac that had all but vanished.
The Plageoles are one of the oldest winemaking families in the AOC and they are thoroughly invested in retaining the traditions and quality for which this oft-overlooked. The terroir in Gaillac is made up clay, limestone, sand and silex soils. Gaillac receives more sunshine than Bordeaux and is graced by a cool maritime climate.
Between the historic family vineyard of Très Cantous and the Roucou-Cantemerle vineyard totaling 20 hectares, they farm Mauzac Vert, Mauzac Noir, Ondenc, Duras, Musscadelle, and Prunelart.
Bernard and his wife Myriam are keeping ancient winemaking traditions alive by crafting organic wines from nearly forgotten indigenous varieties.
To drink the wines from Plageoles is to experience the fruit and terroir of living history.
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DOMAINE COSSE MAISONNEUVE
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Cahors
Sud-Ouest, FRANCE
Created in 1999, the Domaine Cosse Maisonneuve is the result of the association of two talented oenologists and winemakers: Mathieu Cosse and Catherine Maisonneuve. Both took over a 5 hectares estate in Prayssac near Cahors which was planted with old vines of Malbec and started making wines, well determined to produce genuine wines. Their very first vintage was the cuvées Les Laquets and Mathieu and Catherine soon extended the range of their wines.
Several years later, the talented duo enlarged the estate to 15 hectares of vineyards with other grape varieties such as Merlot, Gamay and Cabernet Franc. The soils of the Domaine are variously composed of: clay, limestone, calcareous gravels or siderolithic tertiary. Everything is natural and biodynamic in the vineyards, allowing to obtain perfect grapes that will translate perfectly the qualities of the Cahors terroir.
Passionate and perfectionists, Mathieu and Catherine are definitely the future of the Cahors appellation with wines that express the antithesis of the rustic style wines of the region. The winemaking is precise and accurate like a Swiss watchmaker, giving us the pleasure and the chance to taste elegant, smooth and aerial wines that truly express the terroir and that have an incredible ageing potential.
For Matthieu, "a wine should have depth and minerality to ensure honesty and authenticity..."
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MAS DEL PERIE & FABIEN JOUVES
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Cahors
Sud-Ouest, France
Fabien Jouves is from an old farming family in Causse and became a winemaker in 2006, creating Mas del Périé on the highest slopes of Cahors.
In that region, Malbec (cot) is the king of grape varietals. Located at the junction between Quercy and Cahors, parcel selection was an obvious choice to maximize the different aspects of Malbec. This expression of terroir is reinforced by a biodynamic agriculture that respects life, plants, humans and their environment.
The whole vinification process occurs naturally, without any additives. The wine is then aged until maturity, either in concrete tanks, barrels or large wooden vats (foudres), depending on the wine's personality.
Cahors
Sud-Ouest, France
Léon Verhaeghe from Morsleede in Flanders, left his native country in the early 20th century to settle in south-western France. His son Charles together with his wife Marie-Thérèse started a farm with mixed cultures in 1958 planting some vines on the property, and adding one hectare of vineyards in three different plots every year.
While still distilling lavender, Charles bottled his first wine in 1973. His sons, Jean-Marc and Pascal belong to the second generation. After having studied enology in Macon Davayé, wine making experiences in Burgundy and at Saintsbury in the Napa Valley. Charles decided to take over the estate, together with his brother Jean-Marc; a qualified oenologist who obtained his first wine making experience at La Tour Blanche in Sauternes.
While Jean-Marc is responsible for the vineyards, Pascal takes care of the wines and their distribution. From the beginning, their project is based on a great complicity and the convergence of their points of view.
It all has been put to a test in 1995 with a difficult vintage, with 80% of the vineyards damaged by hailstorms. Jean-Marc and Pascal question their way of farming, concluding that they have to reveal the potential of the terroir and to lower the yields.
“There is an unearthly dimension with vines, you always get more in return than you gave.” By building up the terroir and getting closer to nature, the vines gained balance, giving more taste and quality to the grapes. The style of Château du Cèdre was born.
Fronton
Sud-Ouest, France
Since the 1870’s, the Pénavayre's have been growing vines in Vacquiers, dividing their time between winemaking, livestock and fruit trees. In 1991, Marc Penavayre, oenologist and graduate of the ENITA agricultural engineering school, took over after his father Louis. He expanded the family Domaine from 7 to 30 hectares, planted with Negrette (60%), Syrah (25%), Cabernet Franc (5%), Cabernet Sauvignon (5%) and Gamay (5%). The estate’s wines are fine ambassadors for the Negrette variety.
Negrette is thought to have originated in Iraq. Today, it is found in the Tarn Valley—which covers the Gaillac and Fronton appellations—where it has been grown for over 2,000 years. Texts from the 6th century mention a dark grape called the Mavro (‘black’ in Greek) cultivated in the region. Much later, in the 12th century, records exist of a variety called ‘Negret’. In time, the Negrette took root in the départements of Haute-Garonne and Tarn-et-Garonne. It is also found in Charentes, Vendée and on the Ile de Ré, where it is called the ‘Ragoûtant’ or ‘Petit Noir’.
Château Plaisance is certified organic since 2011. The vines are worked in harmony with the terroir, eschewing fertilizers or weedkillers in favor of natural products. Grapes are harvested ripe and healthy, then hand-sorted before vinification, which is geared to expressing the essence of grape and soil, using only native wild yeasts. The wines are neither fined nor filtered. The wines are vegan.
Bergerac
Sud-Ouest, FRANCE
On some of the most beautiful land in southwest France, Château Tour des Gendres sits in the appellation of Bergerac. This centuries-old stronghold of classic French food and wine culture is located on the bank of the Dordogne River, a 90-minute drive east of Bordeaux.
The de Conti family has run the farm here since the early 1900s, but only in 1986 did Luc de Conti decide to plant the vineyard and embark on a new adventure of viticulture and winemaking.
In 1994, they became the first in the region to move away from pesticides and chemicals and turn to 100% organic farming. The property is planted with Sauvignon, Sémillon and Muscadelle for whites, and Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Malbec for reds.
The de Conti family produces two delicious entry-level wines: Tour des Gendres Classique Blanc and La Gloire de Mon Père (the red), both recognized as classic wines for the region.
Château Tour des Gendres is a household name found on virtually every fine wine-list in France, yet it is little-known around the world. These wines provide outstanding value; they are approachable and pleasurable, crunchy and bright, with an abundance of fruit.
Quindalup & Wilyabrup
Margaret River, Western Australia
On some of the most beautiful land in southwest France, Château Tour des Gendres sits in the appellation of Bergerac. This centuries-old stronghold of classic French food and wine culture is located on the bank of the Dordogne River, a 90-minute drive east of Bordeaux.
The de Conti family has run the farm here since the early 1900s, but only in 1986 did Luc de Conti decide to plant the vineyard and embark on a new adventure of viticulture and winemaking.
In 1994, they became the first in the region to move away from pesticides and chemicals and turn to 100% organic farming. The property is planted with Sauvignon, Sémillon and Muscadelle for whites, and Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Malbec for reds.
The de Conti family produces two delicious entry-level wines: Tour des Gendres Classique Blanc and La Gloire de Mon Père (the red), both recognized as classic wines for the region.
Château Tour des Gendres is a household name found on virtually every fine wine-list in France, yet it is little-known around the world. These wines provide outstanding value; they are approachable and pleasurable, crunchy and bright, with an abundance of fruit.
