When it comes to wine, France stands alone. No other country can beat it in terms of quality and diversity. And while many of its Region, Bordeaux, Burgundy and Champagne most obviously, produce wine as rare, as sought-after and nearly as expensive as gold, there are just as many obscurities and values to be had from little known appellations throughout the country. To learn everything there is to know about French wine would take a lifetime. To understand and appreciate French wine, one only has to begin tasting them.
Domaine Balland-Chapuis farms a small plot in Pouilly sur Loire. The parcel is situated on clay and limestone, Kimmeridgian marl soils.
Matured on fine lees for 8 - 10 months. Learn More
Located in the heart of Pomerol on a sandy and gravel soil with green clay and iron.
One third new oak and the balance in seasoned barriques to produce a perfumed and pure Pomerol. Learn More
A 100% Syrah hand picked from 20 year old vines on clay and chalk soils with gravel terraces. 30 day ferment followed by 8-10 months maturation in large format seasoned French oak and bottled without fining or filtration. A pure and expressive Syrah. Learn More
Chateau les Croisille is a small family domaine crafting traditional Malbec on the calcareous clay soil terraces of Cahors in south-west France.
Artisan winemaking with regional hero Pascal Verhaeghe in consultation with a focus on organic principles. Learn More
Included in the Cahors Charter of Quality index Divin Croisille is an award winning wine from a small family domaine crafting Malbec on the calcareous clay slopes of Cahors in south west France. Learn More
Viré Clessé Vieilles Vignes is produced from vineyards which are 75 to 90 years old.
A blend of stainless steel vats and oak barrels (15 % new fine grained French oak) with 24 months maturation prior to bottling. Learn More
The vineyards of Bourgueil, classified AOC 31 July 1937 are located west of Tours on the right bank of the Loire. 400.9 Bourgueil wines are made from Cabernet Franc sourced from an exclusive old vine parcel and are renowned for their ageing potential. Only 2000 bottles are made of which ten cases are exclusively brought in to the country by the Humble Grape. Learn More
The vineyard of Bourgueil, classified AOC by decree of 31 July 1937 is located west of Tours on the right bank of the Loire.
Bourgueil wines are vinified from the Cabernet Franc (locally called Cabernet Breton). Learn More
A small dynamo Chinon vigneron producing pure, concentrated yet elegant Cabernet Franc using organic principles from average 45 year old vines. Perfume and fruit purity are the hallmarks of Phillipe Pichard wines. Learn More
A small dynamo Chinon vigneron producing pure, concentrated yet elegant Cabernet Franc using organic principles from average 45 year old vines. Perfume and fruit purity are the hallmarks of Phillipe Pichard wines.
Saumur-Champigny is amongst the most ageworthy of Loire reds and covers the eight communes closest to the Loire. Larger format oak barrels are used to let the minerally fruit and terroir express itself. Learn More
100% Chenin Blanc pressed direct to oak barriques for fermentation and stirred on lees for six months to produce a dry Chenin with power and elegance.
Anjou is recognised as one of the premier AOC for Chenin Blanc. Learn More
La Sauvignole is a 100% Sauvignon Blanc Vin De Pays made in a traditional Loire style employing pre-
fermentation cold skin contact, lees stirring and stainless steel production to produce a crisp and fresh aperitif style Sauvignon. Learn More
This Cremant de Loire La Preferance is a unique sparkling wine made from Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay and a small portion of Cabernet Franc.
Made in the methode traditional style producing a fine bead with great finesse. Learn More
Included in the Cahors Charter of Quality index Divin Croisille is an award winning wine from a small family domaine crafting Malbec on the calcareous clay slopes of Cahors in south west France. Learn More
Champagne house founded in 1976 by Bernard Lonclas, located in the village of Bassuet surrounded by hillsides and the precious sub-soil where the chardonnay grape thrives.
A small passionate and dynamic family enterprise, Lonclas Champagne stands out through the selection of its grapes and crus. Learn More
Champagnes at a perfect stage of maturity, ready for drinking, the production is cellar-aged for at least three years or between ten and fifteen years for vintage wines. From the beginning of the wine-making process to the first sign of sparkling, their ancient methods have been enriched by the latest techniques in controlling the quality of the products. 100% Chardonnay.
Faugeres is a smaller appellation with vineyards planted on undulating hillsides of schist at an altitude of 150 -350 metres giving the wines fine perfume and purity. A 2.5 hectare site planted to Roussanne and Grenache Blanc and matured in new oak barriques on fine lees for six months. Learn More
Faugeres is a smaller appellation with vineyards planted on undulating hillsides of schist at an altitude of 150 -350 metres giving the wines fine perfume and purity.12 months large format seasoned oak. Cistus is a blend of Syrah/Grenache/Mourvedre &Carignan. Learn More
From the greatest site above the town of Beaune Les Greves produces the richest, most structured and age-worthy of all Beaune reds. Planted on a steep slope rich in red iron oxide soils. Learn More
Gilles Bouton farms 8 hectares and one of the finest St-Aubin 1er cru vineyards of En Remilly which is effectively a steep south facing continuation of Le Montrachet recognised as the home of the world's greatest white wines. Learn More
One of the last remaining small family quality estates on the right bank, Chateau Meylet organically farms 60 year old vines and prides itself on minimal intervention in the cellars. Matured for two years in fine grained French barriques, (up to 40% new) and released with extended bottle ageing. Magnificent! Learn More
One of the last remaining small family quality estates on the right bank, Chateau Meylet organically farms 60 year old vines and prides itself on minimal intervention in the cellars. Matured for two years in fine grained French barriques, (up to 40% new) and released with extended bottle ageing. Magnificent! Learn More
Chateau le Puy stretches over 25 hectares in the Cote de Francs and lays claim to being the oldest organic vineyard on earth: vines have been grown on this right bank property since 1610 and have not been touched by synthetic chemicals. Learn More
Syrah sourced principally from 40 year old vines in the Cote Brune on schist/mica schist soils with 2-3% Viognier in the blend for floral lift and opulence.
18 months in 30% new and 70% one year old barriques to produce a masculine Cote Rotie. Learn More
The 5 hectare 'les combaud' plot was planted by Sylvain Bernard in 1982 on sandy granite over stones. Natural yeast, a proportion of whole bunches in the ferment and 12 months maturation in seasoned French oak and bottled without fining or filtration.
One of the finest dry white Cotes-du-Rhone Blanc blends of Roussanne, Clairette and Grenache Blanc sourced from Andre Brunels Becassonne vineyard in Sorgues just south of Chateauneuf du Pape. Learn More
Chateau de Montfaucon is an 11th Century hilltop castle that overlooks the Rhone just to the south west of Chateauneuf-Du-Pape. Following the principles of sustainable agriculture 'Comtesse Madeline' is a white Cotes-du-Rhone blend of Viognier, Marsanne and Clairette from 40 year old vines on calcareous pebblestone over sandy, silty soils.
The Coteaux du Giennois White vineyards cover 13 hectares. They are situated in the commune of Bonny sur Loire, and are planted on terraces of clay-and silica soils overlooking the Loire. The vines are an average of 15 years old. Learn More
The 10-hectare Le Chatillet Sancerre white vineyards are made up of parcels
situated in Sancerre, Bué and Amigny. The terroir is mainly limestone consisting of soils known as “caillottes”, a hard limestone typical of the
Sancerre region. Learn More
Roughly 30 hectares of average 30 year old vines planted on a limestone plateau, naturally well drained and exposed. The vineyard comprimes of 77% Merlot and 23% Cabernet Franc.
A powerfull and opulent expression from Lussac. Learn More
A connoisseur's wine par excellance, Domaine L'Espirit De Chevalier is not in the big rich style of La Mission or Pape Clement but have a lighter, super-smooth minerality and style almost inimitable within Bordeaux. Despite what seems like a light bodied wine, these wines age almost effortlessly, and gain notes of cherry, spice and cedar. Learn More
The Goutorbe style can be summed up as: full bodied, concentrated fruit, very expressive, and a bit racy, or an alternative to what many traditionally associate with Champagne. These are wines that are well suited to the dinner table. 75% Pinot Noir and 25% Chardonnay for this full and elegant style. Learn More
Beaune du Château has been an exclusive appellation of this House, since 1907. A blend of several Premier Cru vineyards, vinified separately, this wine demonstrates the different facets of the terroir of Beaune.
Chateauneuf du Pape is probably the best known appellation in the entire Rhone Valley. The foundation for the entire Appellation Control system in France is based on the rules drawn up in 1923 by Baron Le Roy of Chateau Fortia. The most remarkable feature of Chateauneuf du Pape is the soil. The soil of the appellation is famous for its rounded, baseball sized cobble stones called galets roules. The galets roules provide excellent drainage, absorb heat during the day and radiate heat at night. Learn More
The most expensive wine producing area in France. This tiny 2.5 hectares estate has very old wines. 2005 was one of the best years – the wine is approachable now but could also keep another 20 years. 91 points Wine Spectator: "Displays subtle yet complex aromas of blackberry, mineral and chocolate-coated cherry. Full-bodied, with ultra fine tannins and a long, caressing finish. Very pretty and refined. Best after 2011. " Varietals used are 90% merlot and 10% cabernet franc. Ideal with steak or pasta. Limited quantities only.
This is a lighter, fruit forward and elegant red. Guide hachet describes this as the best example of a red Maconnais from a small family producer concentrating on high quality, minimal production.
Good juicy Gamay from the Southern Burgundy commune of Maconnais in the village of Chaintre. Learn More
Henri Goutorbe is a small champagne house. In the village of Aiy just outside Epernay which is a grand cru village. Serina Suthcliffe of Sothebys has described it as the best NV champagne from all of them. Goutorbe used to supply vine stock for many years. The last 2 generations have further developed the business and crafted their own champagne. The Goutorbe style can be summed up as: full bodied, concentrated fruit, very expressive, and a bit racy, or alternative to what many traditionally associate with Champagne. These are wines that are well suited to the dinner table. Learn More
In its category and price this Rose is unbeatable. Awarded the Decanter Rose award 2009.
A light and refreshing food friendly Rose from Provence perfect for Summer drinking.
A very old estate. Gigondas is a Cote du Rhone Villages. Closest to Chateauneuf du Pape. They only produce 2000 cases from very old vines - some well over 100 years. 65% Grenache, 20% Mourvedre, 15 % Syrah. Learn More
Grenache Offers warmth and is a grape that can be abused with each vintage yielding different results. A beautiful garnet color with violet tints. Intense nose with aromas of very ripe red fruits, spices (liquorice) and violet. Grenache 90% Cinsault and Syrah.
Parker called La Bastide one of the best value for money Merlot's around $10. Produced in a new world style with a French twist. Has enough acidity and backbone to last. Learn More
This is a quality wine produced in the Macon area. This small family-owned domaine makes a range of attractive Macon wines. Grown on lower east-facing slopes of clay-limestone soil in the township of Chaintre, this bottling offers the easy charms of a well made Chardonnay from southern Burgundy. A declassified Pouilly-Fuisse produced from young vines and represents exceptional value in its class. Learn More
Made from extremely tiny yields (only 400 cases produced), the 2003 offers up aromas of chocolate-covered cherries and espresso roast followed by a wine with good freshness, medium body, but not the power, density, or enormous extract of other vintages. No doubt the summer’s heat and drought forced the proprietor’s hand. Although it does not possess the power of the finest Clos des Sarpes, if the wine adds weight in the bottle, it may turn out to be an outstanding effort. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2020?
A connoisseur's wine par excellance, Domaine L'Esprit De Chevalier is not in the big rich style of La Mission or Pape Clement but have a lighter, super-smooth minerality and style almost inimitable within Bordeaux.
This is the second wine of the most famous of white Bordeaux and exudes fresh and zingy tropical fruit with soft creamy oak on the nose, followed by an exotic, yet steely and mineral finish which really pays homage to the famous Grand Vin. Learn More
Roughly 30 hectares of average 30 year old vines planted on a limestone plateau, naturally well drained and exposed. The vineyard comprimes of 77% Merlot and 23% Cabernet Franc.
A powerfull and opulent expression from Lussac. Learn More
Located in the Graves wine producing area of Bordeaux, Château Cabannieux is an old family winery registered in the 1881 classification as 'cru exceptionnel'.
Castle Hourtin-Ducasse, in the commune of Pauillac, was entered in 1932 in the classification of crus bourgeois. Two former owners, in the 18th and 19th centuries, gentlemen Hourtin and Ducasse, attributed to the name. It is operated today by the Marengo family, which acquired it in 1976.
The famous “Chêne Marchand” parcel is shared between several owners. Domaine Balland-Chapuis owns less than a hectare (68a 50ca). The outstanding terroir is made up of micaceous chalk and the vines are an average of 30 years old. Yields are tiny at 45 hl/ hectare.
The Mingot family are the proprietors of Château Maréchaux, a winery located in the heart of the Libourne region and have been growers for three generations. The Bergeres is 100% Merlot grown on clay-limestone soils.
Planted at a density of 4,500 vines per hectare, the property covers 17 hectares.Located on southwestern slopes, the whole vineyard enjoys steady and optimal sunshine. Learn More
The Mingot family are the proprietors of Château Maréchaux, a winery located in the heart of the Libourne region and have been growers for three generations. Planted at a density of 4,500 vines per hectare, the property covers 17 hectares.Located on southwestern slopes, the whole vineyard enjoys steady and optimal sunshine.
With the combination of three generations of know-how and technical skills, the Mingot family produces round and fruity wines that are produced with pride. Strict control of different steps and closely monitoring quality is required to produce a Grand Vin de Bordeaux. Vineyard management, harvest, wine making, farming and bottling are all stages that are managed by a competent team.
Champagne house founded in 1976 by Bernard Lonclas, located in the village of Bassuet.
Cuvee Prestige is a blend of the finest parcels each year and comprises 2/3 Chardonnay and 1/3 Pinot Meunier.
A small passionate and dynamic family enterprise, Lonclas Champagne stands out through the selection of its grapes and crus. Learn More
Champagne house founded in 1976 by Bernard Lonclas, located in the village of Bassuet surrounded by hillsides and the precious sub-soil where the chardonnay grape thrives.
A small passionate and dynamic family enterprise, Lonclas Champagne stands out through the selection of its grapes and crus. Learn More
Average vine age exceeds 35 years on a gravelly, pebbly mound. Cabernet Sauvignon dominant complemented by Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Feminine and perfumed bottle age perfection from Margaux. Learn More
The Lapierre estate consists of 11 hectares of vines in Morgon with one of those hectares located on the famous Côte du Py. The vineyards are tended organically and for the past three years some plots of old vines are being grown biodynamically….
The grapes are harvested by hand and the whole bunches undergo carbonic maceration using natural yeasts in old wooden vats. The ferment lasts between 10-20 days before being pressed of into old, large format oak where they stay for around 9 months.
Around 80 000 bottles produced per year and sometimes the cuvée Marcel Lapierre which does not reach more than 8000 bottles /year like in 2009.
Gilles Jayer farms vines with an average age of 40 years in a non-intervention style. 18 months new fine grained French oak and bottled without fining or filtration. Learn More
For many, Ducru-Beaucaillou is the quintessential St-Julien - deep-coloured, powerful, ripe, exquisitely well-balanced and perfectly harmonious. The 2006 is 50% Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Learn More