Wines of the World

Les Marlines Special White Cuvée 2018

Jean Yves Peron

Les Marlines is an organic and natural dry white wine from Jean-Yves Péron. This exceptional cuvée, classified as a Vin de France, is produced in Savoie in the Chignin-Bergeron region (without the appellation). It is a 100% Roussanne de Savoie merchant cuvée made from grapes grown biodynamically in Chignin by Gilles Berlioz.

Vinification

Roussannes are produced from young vines (three years old) and older vines growing on poor, shallow limestone subsoil. The plot is south-facing on a predominantly west-facing slope. This is the first harvest from these young vines, and it is producing splendid results. The grapes spend three weeks in carbonic maceration with a week of punching down, then the wine is aged under veil for four years in 225-liter barrels.

Tasting

The oxidative note is unmistakable in this Les Marlines cuvée; it is accompanied by great aromatic richness and real freshness. This complete and adaptable wine offers delicious notes of hay, dried herbs, and apricot, which is the hallmark of Roussanne. As a good sailing wine, this wine will go with everything. We recommend it with very old hard cheeses: or with exceptional charcuterie, such as galabart black pudding, Bigorre black ham or Béarnaise andouille, all three to be found in the selection of the Collectif Padouen. Or a simmered Gascon poultry (we strongly recommend using this wine for the sauce: you will therefore need more than one bottle).

Learn more about Jean-Yves Péron

Jean-Yves Péron is a talented embodiment of the organic, biodynamic and natural renaissance of the Savoyard vineyard, which is based on varied soils and numerous indigenous grape varieties (Jacquère, Altesse, Mondeuse, etc.). At his Chevaline winery in the Bauges region, he vinifies grapes from his plots in Conflans, near Albertville, and Fréterive, in the Isère valley.

High-altitude biodynamics

Jean-Yves Péron's work follows the principles of minimal intervention. On narrow, steep slopes, his hand-worked mountain vines in micro-plots receive no synthetic products, Jean-Yves preferring horsetail and nettle manure. The grapes are vatted in whole bunches and undergo semi-carbonic maceration. Shortly before pressing, they are foot-trodden in the vat, then transferred to two- or three-wine barrels for twelve months of aging on lees, before blending and resting in the vat. No sulfites are added, or as little as possible, and the wines are not fined or filtered.

Italian-Savoyard trade

Since 2011, a trading activity has allowed Jean-Yves Péron to buy the harvest from neighboring organic winegrowers and to collaborate with winegrowers from Northern Italy: this is the I Vicini series, which allows him to diversify the terroirs and deepen his experiences in winemaking and aging.

Pierra Menta White 2022

Jean-Yves Péron

Pierra Menta is an exceptional organic, biodynamic, and natural dry white wine from Savoie made by Jean-Yves Péron. Classified as a Vin de France, Pierra Menta is made from the Gringet grape variety. The winemaker plans to plant more vines of this ancient variety until he reaches half a hectare.

Vinification

Gringet, which makes up 100% of Pierra Menta, is a white grape variety native to Haute-Savoie, historically linked to the commune of Ayse, near Bonneville. Jean-Yves Péron's vines are planted near Albertville, on a south-facing mica-schist plot. Gringet has long been confined to the Bonneville region and traditionally produces low-proof, high-yield sparkling wines. It is an interesting, fruity, low-alcohol grape variety with notes of quince and strong minerality. Pierra Menta's gringets are macerated for two weeks in carbonic acid, then punched down for two months, and aged for one year in 300-liter barrels.

Tasting

The quince is evident from the initial olfactory and taste, and the minerality supports this note. White fruits, florality, plenty of structure, and a nice acidity. An incredible length, too... We thank Jean-Yves for this and move on to the food and wine pairings: fish, seafood, oysters and Middle Eastern cuisine.

Learn more about Jean-Yves Péron

Jean-Yves Péron is a talented embodiment of the organic, biodynamic and natural renaissance of the Savoyard vineyard, which is based on varied soils and numerous indigenous grape varieties (Jacquère, Altesse, Mondeuse, etc.). At his Chevaline winery in the Bauges region, he vinifies the grapes from his plots in Conflans, near Albertville, and Fréterive, in the Isère valley.

High-altitude biodynamics

Jean-Yves Péron's work follows the principles of minimal intervention. On narrow and steep surfaces, his mountain vines in micro-plots, worked by hand, do not receive any synthetic products, Jean-Yves preferring horsetail and nettle manure. All of Jean-Yves Péron's wines are sulfite-free, made from hand-harvested grapes, vinified in whole bunches and foot-trodden in the vat. For all vintages, the free-run and press are blended, then aged on lees for at least one year, in two- or three-wine barrels, amphorae or tuns, before final blending. They must be stored at a temperature below 18°C. No sulfites are added, or as little as possible, and the wines are not fined or filtered.

Italian-Savoyard trade

Since 2011, a trading activity has allowed Jean-Yves Péron to buy the harvest from neighboring organic winegrowers and to collaborate with winegrowers from Northern Italy: this is the I Vicini series, which allows him to diversify the terroirs and deepen his experiences in winemaking and aging.

Les Œillets Amphore White 2022

Jean-Yves Péron

Les Œillets Amphore is a dry macerated white wine produced in Savoie by Jean-Yves Péron. Organic, biodynamic, and natural, it is a 100% Jacquère white, with no additives or added sulfites, classified as a Vin de France.

Vinification

Les Œillets comes from the same terroir as La Petite Robe (the clay-limestone soils of the lieu-dit Les Marches, at the foot of Mont Granier), but it is harvested later to achieve greater phenolic maturity and a higher tannin concentration. Carbonic maceration for four or five days is followed by a month of punching down in vats. At least one year of aging in terracotta amphorae.

Tasting

With a beautiful minerality and a tension polished by the time spent in terracotta, Les Œillets Amphore by Jean-Yves Péron is an atypical white, with powerful aromatic notes without any trace of wood. Lots of fruit and candied citrus. Les Œillets has chewiness, texture, a tannic mouthfeel and a note of controlled oxidation. The tension is strong, balanced by a note of apricot. You will pair him with all your best dishes.

Learn more about Jean-Yves Péron

Jean-Yves Péron is a talented embodiment of the organic, biodynamic, and natural renaissance of the Savoyard vineyard, which is based on varied soils and numerous indigenous grape varieties (Jacquère, Altesse, Mondeuse, etc.). At his Chevaline winery in the Bauges region, he vinifies the grapes from his plots in Conflans, near Albertville, and Fréterive, in the Isère valley.

High-altitude biodynamics

Jean-Yves Péron's work follows the principles of minimal intervention. On narrow, steep surfaces, his mountain vines in micro-plots, worked by hand, receive no synthetic products, Jean-Yves preferring horsetail and nettle manure. All of Jean-Yves Péron's wines are sulfite-free, made from hand-harvested grapes, vinified in whole bunches and foot-trodden in the vat. For all vintages, the free-run and press are blended, then aged on lees for at least one year, in two- or three-wine barrels, amphorae or tuns, before final blending. They must be stored at a temperature below 18°C. No sulfites are added, or as little as possible, and the wines are not fined or filtered.

Italian-Savoyard trade

Since 2011, a trading activity has allowed Jean-Yves Péron to buy the harvest from neighboring organic winegrowers and to collaborate with winegrowers in Northern Italy: this is the I Vicini series, which allows him to diversify the terroirs and deepen his winemaking and aging experiences.

Morey Saint Denis les Champs de la Vigne Qvevris Red 2021

Fréderic Cossard

Great elegance and finesse characterize this magnificent Morey-Saint-Denis, silky and satiny with a lovely earthy nuance. Aging in qvevri (buried terracotta jars) gives it a velvety patina and allows its red fruit aromas to flourish: depth, generosity, fruit, and minerality characterize this wine. The vines growing on the clay-limestone plot known as Les Champs de la Vigne are around sixty years old. They are made from Pinot Fin grapes, an ancient strain of Pinot Noir that is increasingly rare in Burgundy. The harvest macerates in whole bunches and is aged for one year in qvevri.

To find out more

Through his entirely natural work, Frédéric Cossard gives voice to the terroirs and Burgundy wines, undeformed by agricultural chemicals. Having observed, during his years of trading, the existence of harmful viticultural practices, the winemaker used this counter-example to practice unadulterated viticulture. Thus, he produces vintages of purity and elegance without artifice that are among the most sought-after in Burgundy. Frédéric worked as a wine broker for some time before creating the domaine de Chassorney with his partner Laure in 1996: initially a few ares of vines in Saint-Romain, Auxey-Duresses and Savigny-lès-Beaune, and currently ten hectares spread across the Nuits-Saint-Georges, Pommard, Volnay, Bourgogne Hautes Côtes de Beaune and Bourgogne appellations. In 2006, he created his own wine trading house and buys organic grapes to vinify, according to his style and convictions, great vintages such as Meursault, Puligny-Montrachet, Chassagne-Montrachet, Pommard, Nuits-Saint-Georges, Chambolle-Musigny, Vosne-Romanée and several Beaujolais crus. The practice is not limited to Burgundy since vintages are made from grapes purchased in the Jura or Languedoc. At his place, the work of the soil and the vines is done as naturally as possible: regular ploughing by horse, no addition of chemical fertilizers or weedkillers. The vines are cared for according to the principles of biodynamics: homeopathic treatments based on essential oils, copper and sulfur in minimal doses. The harvest is entirely manual, carried out at full maturity, at the end of October. Red or white, classic Burgundies or more atypical or less "regional" bottles, Frédéric's vintages are rare and coveted wines, which sometimes require waiting.

Westerberg White 2021

Domaine Einhart

Westerberg is a dry white wine full of character, elegance, and spice, offering the best of the estate's Riesling and Gewurztraminer: 90% Riesling and 10% Gewurztraminer grown on the great limestone terroirs of the Rosheim hillsides: soils of shell limestone with ceratites (fossilized limestone) and lettenkohl (muschelkalk carbonate) plates. A depth of one meter and eighty of soil with a grain size of 70% limestone and a layer of loess at one and a half meters, this is a superb minerality that benefits the wine. One hundred percent of the grapes come from the property. The average age of the vines is forty-five years, on plots facing south on a 30% slope. The grapes are entirely hand-harvested and destemmed. The Riesling is directly pressed, while the Gewurztraminer undergoes a forty-eight-day maceration before pressing. Everything is fermented with indigenous yeasts. The wine is aged for one year on fine lees and is bottled without filtration. No sulfites or any other inputs are added to the vineyard or the cellar. We recommend decanting this Westerberg.

To find out more

Located in the northern part of the Alsatian vineyard, horizontally above Strasbourg, the Einhart estate is a ten-hectare family property whose vines are located on the hillsides that rise between the Alsace plain and the Vosges mountains. The soil is clay-limestone and rich in fossils (muschelkalk, i.e. shell limestone and oolitic limestone, and lettenkohle or dolomitic limestone). Since 1990, Nicolas Einhart has been at the helm, now assisted by his son Théo. True to his commitments to the TIFLO association, of which he is a co-founder, Nicolas devotes his winemaking work to protecting the land and biodiversity, making wine without additives, refusing harmful phytosanitary products and maintaining ecological refuge areas. His estate has been certified organic since 2011. Like Jean-Marc Dreyer, he is firmly focused on skin maceration and produces white maceration wines (orange wines) in addition to a Pinot Noir red. Entirely manual harvests, destemming of the grapes, light punching down and delicate pressing are characteristic of the estate, as well as the separate vinification of each terroir, aging on lees and the absence of filtration before bottling. The wines are pure grape, lively, powerful, invigorating, and transcribe the minerality of the very beautiful terroirs of the Vosges foothills.

Farmhouse Cider 2020,

Florian Bourrienne

This 2020 vintage farmhouse cider from Florian Bourrienne still bears the sweetness of its youth, but it is perfectly ripe for drinking. It already offers ample, evolved, and roundly fruity notes, which are the distinctive mark of this producer. You can let it age for at least another four or five years; it will gradually acquire airier, even fuller, and more vegetal notes evoking hay, flowers, and meadow, as well as flavors of ripe candied apple that we love to find in Florian's farmhouse ciders. The bubble is soft and fine, the aromatic palette asks to unfold, and in this regard, we advise you to decant this cider. Its faithful companions will be fresh, smoked or dried seafood, cooked, as well as charcuterie cooked the old-fashioned way and buckwheat pancakes.

To find out more
What mainly differentiates Florian Bourrienne from other cider producers is that he makes ciders for laying down, intended to evolve over the years. His orchard is in the heart of Calvados, in the Pays d'Auge, but outside the AOC in order to preserve the freedom and singularity of his ciders. We can speak, without hesitation, of natural cider, because the cider maker goes beyond organic to respect the traditional production method, delicate, patient and demanding enormous work. From his fifteen-hectare orchard planted with tall stems, he produces ciders for ageing, excellent to drink in their youth but sumptuous after several years. The blend is carefully measured according to the characteristics of each vintage. The fruit production is entirely organic and the fermentation processes—there are two for traditional cider—are slow and patient, so that the cider is made in the right way, using natural yeasts. These are preserved in the cider thanks to a light filtration that respects all the living elements capable of polishing the taste and aromas, but also facilitates the formation of foam, which must be just right: neither too strong nor too weak. It's difficult to manage, but the result is well worth it. These are mastered ciders, eminently delicious, marked by an extraordinary sweetness and roundness of apple. Over time, they acquire notes of acidity and astringency that gracefully reinforce their beautiful aromatic palette. Ciders of taste and pleasure, as delicious at the table as as an aperitif.

Morey Saint Denis les Champs de la Vigne Qvevris Red 2020,

Frédéric Cossard

This Morey-Saint-Denis Les Champs de la Vigne 2020, by Frédéric Cossard, is a true ode to Pinot Fin, a rare and precious strain of Pinot Noir. Aged in qvevri, this wine reveals exceptional purity and depth, enhancing the richness of its terroir.

The Morey-Saint-Denis AOC, a showcase for an exceptional wine

Located between Gevrey-Chambertin and Chambolle-Musigny, the Morey-Saint-Denis appellation is renowned for its powerful yet refined reds. Here, Frédéric Cossard delivers a natural and lively interpretation, from sixty-year-old vines rooted in clay-limestone soils. The result is a wine of great minerality, where the structure and elegance of the terroir are sincerely expressed.

The unique imprint of qvevri vinification

Far from classic barrel aging, this Morey-Saint-Denis was vinified and matured in buried terracotta jars. This technique, inspired by Georgian tradition, gives the wine a beautiful satiny texture, natural aeration and a pure expression of fruit. On the nose, bright red fruits, morello cherry and subtle earthy nuances herald a full and vibrant palate. The body is silky and velvety, with a deep minerality and fine tannins that ensure great length.

A wine for aging and gastronomy

This Morey-Saint-Denis is a emotional bottle, perfect to be enjoyed young with its fruit or after 5 to 10 years of aging, when it will develop all its complexity. Serve between 16 and 18°C, it will pair wonderfully with roast poultry, stewed meats or mature cheeses. A great Burgundy wine, natural and vibrant, not to be missed.

SM White 2017

La Sorga

"Anthony Tortul loves old vineyards: he devotes his life to finding and vinifying them. Just as there are landless shepherds, he can be defined as a landless winegrower, in other words, a wine merchant whose area of activity extends throughout Languedoc and, eastward, as far as Châteauneuf-du-Pape, in search of the best terroirs. Born in Foix, with six years of experience as a viticultural technician and oenologist in various vineyards in the south of France, he created La Sorga in 2008. His enthusiasm leads him on a path filled with favorites, and each one These favorites is a vineyard. The result is a stunning mosaic of natural, lively and spirited wines, which reinvents itself each year with around thirty cuvées per vintage. Few winemakers can include such a variety of grape varieties on their menu: the whole of southern France is there with muscats, grenaches, picpoul, mauzac, carignan, cinsault, marsanne, alicante, braucol, duras, viognier, len-de-l’el, and all the rest.

This white wine comes from Villafranchian terroirs on a basalt base located near Pézenas, in the upper Hérault valley. The name SM, formed from the initials of “sauvignon-marsanne”, refers to the blend that makes up this wine: sixty percent marsanne (vines aged twenty-five years) and forty percent sauvignon blanc (vines ten years old). Marsanne is pressed directly and the must is used to macerate the Sauvignon in whole bunches for sixty days. The aging, eight months, takes place in vats. The nose evokes bergamot, beeswax, fennel and dried apricot. The palate is taut, endowed with an incredible sapidity. Exotic fruits, mango in particular. A natural companion for mature or blue cheeses, without forgetting the very creamy goat cheeses of the South. It will keep for about ten years.
Natural wine without added sulfites.

Cuvée O Red 2014

Château Les Graves de Viaud

With this 2014 vintage, Domaine Les Graves de Viaud offers us a still red wine that perfectly embodies the natural elegance of the Côtes de Bourg. Made from biodynamically grown Cabernet Franc, this wine benefits from the Demeter and AB labels, guaranteeing practices that respect the land and the vines, without chemical additives or winemaking artifices. Here, nature expresses itself freely, revealing the authenticity of the Bordeaux terroir.

This exclusive cuvée (1,200 bottles) of Côtes-de-Bourg is composed of 60% Cabernet Franc. The vines grow on gently sloping hillsides with clayey gravel soils. Harvesting is done by hand, destemmed, and not crushed. Carried out in egg-shaped vats, the skin maceration is long: up to three months at a controlled temperature. Fermentation is done using indigenous yeasts, and no sulfur is added at bottling. This wine, as delicate as it is profound, has the distinction of being vegan (no animal products, therefore no egg-based fining). The nose, fresh and spontaneous, offers notes of plum, violet, and peony. The palate is pulpy, crisp, and fresh, seductive: mainly blackcurrant and blackberry. The tannins are silky and melted, yet powerful.

To the eye, this 2014 reveals a deep red color with garnet highlights, a sign of beautiful development. The nose opens generously after decanting, revealing aromas of ripe red fruits, morello cherry and raspberry, subtly enhanced by spicy notes and a vegetal touch typical of Cabernet Franc. On the palate, the attack is supple, giving way to fine and elegant tannins. The balance between freshness and structure is remarkable, with a persistent finish that reveals slightly peppery and mineral nuances.

This wine will pair wonderfully with dishes of character such as duck breast with figs, a gratin of root vegetables or even a platter of mature cheeses. Served between 16 and 18°C, it will reveal all its complexity after decanting.

With its 13.5% alcohol and its aging potential of 5 to 10 years, this 2014 vintage can be enjoyed now for its freshness or waited in the cellar for a deeper expression of its terroir.

Organic Corsican Citron Eau de vie, Brana

Brana Distillery

The citrons come from small organic plantations located in Corsica. Once picked, they are transported by refrigerated truck. Upon arrival at the distillery, they are hand-cut and macerated in the eau-de-vie. The precise choice of alcohol and the optimal maceration point are the secrets of the production. The citron eau-de-vie is then aged in stainless steel vats to preserve the fresh, dense, and concentrated flavor of the fruit, clearly felt on the palate. The finish is long and elegant. Drink at 5-6° as an aperitif or digestif, for example with a chocolate dessert.

Le Desordre Blanc White 2013

Domaine La Sorga

The vines for this Chardonnay from the upper Limoux valley grow on puddingstone soil. The grapes are pressed directly and then aged without topping up in old barrels for twenty-four months. Its mineral and briny notes, laden with spices and lemon, will complement fish in sauce. Aging potential: ten years.
Natural wine with no added sulfites.

Pairs with: Cooked fish

Magnum Fetembulles White 2015

Les Vignes de l'Ange Vin

Natural wine with no added sulfites.

Belzebrut White 2018

Domaine La Sorga

Made from 100% Colombard from basalt soils in the Hérault Valley, this is a very pleasant natural sparkling wine. The grapes are pressed directly and the must is not settled. It is aged on slats for six months. The wine is bottled by gravity and disgorged by Antony. This wine has mineral and floral notes that are perfect as an aperitif or dessert. Aging potential: five years.
Natural wine with no added sulfites.

Pairs with: Cheeses, Desserts

L'Harmonie Red 2014

Domaine Le Temps Retrouvé

A beautiful blend of southern grape varieties, this Roussillon red is composed of Grenache, Syrah, and Carignan from vines growing on clay-siliceous soils. Harmonie is a wine of patience, obtained through long-term maceration and aging, which gives it a dark color, a powerful nose, and intense aromas of black fruits. Decant for a few hours before tasting to fully appreciate its fullness.
Natural wine with no added sulfites.

Helvète Rouge 2016

La Sorga
This blend of Carignan and Grenache comes from grapes grown on schist soils in the Faugères appellation. The Carignan macerates for eighty days in whole bunches, on top of which the hand-destemmed Grenache is placed. The wine is aged on lees for nine months. Notes of blueberry, spice, and hot stone make it perfect for meats and poultry marinated in spices and grilled (Korean barbecue, kofta, tandoori, braised chicken, or piri-piri). Aging potential: ten years.

Goes with: Indian cuisine, Mediterranean cuisine, Oriental cuisine, White meats, Roast meats

En Rouge et Noir Red 2015

La Sorga

En Rouge et Noir, a red wine from the Faugères AOC, is a blend of black, white, and gray Grenache grapes grown on schist soils in Cabrerolles. The grapes macerate in whole bunches for twenty-nine days in a near-infusion, then are aged in vats on total lees for nine months. Its sweet notes of citrus, rose, and pepper make it the perfect accompaniment to grilled meats, charcuterie, or peppery terrines. Its aging potential is ten years.
Natural wine with no added sulfites.

Goes with: Charcuterie, Terrines and pâtés, Grilled meats

Susucaru Rosso Red 2023,

Frank Cornelissen

A vibrant and versatile natural red
The Susucaru Rosso 2023 is a unique cuvée from Frank Cornelissen, made from a unique blend of local grape varieties: Nerello Mascalese, Nerello Capuccio, Minnella, Alicante Bouschet, and Uva Francesa. Grown on the basalt soils of Mount Etna, these grape varieties are blended in a vinification process using the ancestral method, marked by a one-month destemmed maceration, to create a wine bursting with freshness and character.

A fruity and structured red
To the eye, the Susucaru Rosso 2023 stands out for its bright, lively ruby ​​color. The nose opens with expressive aromas of red berries, ripe cherry, and pink berries, enhanced by a touch of spice and volcanic minerality. On the palate, this wine offers a silky texture, beautiful freshness, and a delicate structure. The flavors of vibrant red fruits are balanced by subtle notes of spice and a slight salinity, for a long, vibrant finish. Served between 14 and 16°C after decanting, it reveals all its richness and energy.

Versatile and convivial
Perfect as an aperitif, Susucaru Rosso also pairs well with cooked fish, white meats or light Mediterranean dishes. Its freshness and structure make it a versatile red wine, suitable for convivial meals as well as more refined occasions.

With an aging potential of 5 years, this cuvée captures the lively and natural spirit of Etna in a modern and accessible expression. An invitation to discover the unique know-how of Frank Cornelissen.

Xino Xano Beer 2022,

Cyclic Beer Farm
Tart, exotic, and refreshing, Xino Xano, conditioned in barrels, is made for summer and tapping. It's a perfect beer for the beach or for contemplating the deep blue sea, and a Berliner Weisse (Berlin-style white beer) obtained, as the method dictates, by brewing without boiling. It is composed of half organic malted barley from Belgium, 25% organic malted wheat from Belgium, and 25% organic wheat flakes grown in Spain. Xino Xano is then co-fermented with the house cocktail of yeasts and lactic acid bacteria and finally receives a significant addition of dry hops (the variety varies depending on the vintage). Xino Xano alcohol content is 4%.

To find out more
Cyclic Beer Farm is a duo of Barcelona friends, Alberto and Joshua. Based in the Catalan capital, they have two sides to their business: beer (Cyclic Beer) and wine (Cyclic Wine). The beers, inspired by the Belgian model, are available in surprising and colorful ranges where expertly measured yeast cocktails and house brews combine with varied macerations of fruits, vegetables, herbs and grape marc from traditional Catalan varieties, the latter taken after the fermentation of their wines - because the second side is the wine, made exclusively from native Catalan grape varieties. Packaged in 75 cl bottles so that everyone can satisfy their thirst, the beers play between classicism and flights of inspiration, in a contrasting and creative way, Catalan style, without forgetting to dare the beer with wine, of course. On classic bases and a Belgian fermentation model, the two brewers-winemakers Joshua and Alberto play with ingredients, aromas, macerations, between cereals, fruits, vegetables or grape skins of Catalan grape varieties, to achieve flavors that are reminiscent of the Obni (unidentified drinkable object). Whether they assert themselves on balance or on a certain managed dissonance, these beers will never leave you indifferent and will reveal their full potential during the summer heat, served well chilled (like their creators).

BN Blanco Natural Blanc 2020,

Partida Creus
This tangy, exotic, and aromatic white is made from 90% Macabeu and 10% Cartoixá Vermell. It evokes an avalanche of ripe yellow fruits—apricots in particular—orange blossom, and musky spices, balanced by delicate acidity and light tannins. Perfect as an aperitif or at the start of a meal, it has only 10% alcohol.

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Partida Creus is an important estate, both from a winemaking and historical perspective—we're talking about the history of the vine in Catalonia. Massimo Marchiori and Antonella Gerosa, originally from Piedmont—and even from the Langhe region, where wine is well-versed—first pursued careers as architects in Barcelona. But the wine bug tickled them, and they soon abandoned the big city and its sophistication for the vineyards of southern Catalonia, in Bonastre in Baix-Penedés. There they found a number of abandoned vineyards planted with a dizzying diversity of traditional Catalan grape varieties, which they passionately revived to save these varieties—and their wines—from oblivion. For them, it's not just a matter of saving their heritage, no: it's a matter of taste and nature. Of natural wines, which they will never stop making from now on on these sandy, poor, clay-limestone or clay-gravel soils, poor and poorly irrigated, where the vines suffer to produce their best juice. Massimo and Antonella practice organic, biodynamic, entirely manual and natural viticulture in order to give new life to these wines. Vinyater, sumoll, garrut, monastrell, ull de perdiu, ull de llebre, sumoll, queixal de llop, cariñena, trepat, ceciat parent, maccabeu, parellada, pansé, vinel.lo, bobal, cartoixà vermell or xarel.lo: it is a true conservatory of the native Catalan grape varieties that Partida Creus cares for. There is also Moscatel, Grenache, Merlot and Cabernet (among others). Few wineries can boast of growing so many different grape varieties. The wines reflect this diversity, with winemakers striving to best convey the signature of the soil and the grape variety: single varietals are common among them, alongside very rich blends, all in the styles dear to Catalonia: still wine, "ancestral" sparkling wine, and even vermouth. The bottles themselves are works of art: bare glass, simply marked with two large stenciled initials that indicate the cuvée. The wines, fresh, vibrant, lush but always straightforward and impeccably juicy and fruity, breathe life. The arrival of a Partida Creus at the table always elicits cries of satisfaction.

Magnum Susucaru Rosato Rosé 2021,

Franck Cornelissen
The color is intense pink, the nose carries citrus and white flowers, and the palate is fruity, dense, fresh, and delicious, with that delicate bitterness and melancholic bite that is the signature of this wine. Many aficionados are impatiently waiting for each vintage of this emblematic cuvée from the master of Etna, and some couldn't imagine their aperitif without it. Susucaru rosato delights rosé lovers and lesser fans alike, those familiar with natural wines and beginners alike. Can we really call it a rosé? Technically yes, in terms of taste and color, this little marvel is both a rosé and a thirst-quenching red. 25% Inzolia, 25% Malvasia, 25% Nerello Mascalese, 25% Moscadella, and all the vines grow directly on the slopes of Etna. A cuvée that remains true to itself.

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A major figure and universally respected figure in natural wine, Frank Cornelissen is a classic. This man of constant questioning lives in human and cosmic resonance with his contrasting terroir: he has demonstrated that the powerful minerality of a great volcanic soil can be enhanced by the naturalness of his wines. The brilliance, the integrity, and the exquisite fruitiness of his vintages earn him the admiration even of those who are reluctant to accept "natural." These are good introductory wines.
His Sicilian azienda is located in Passopisciaro, in the northern Etna Valley. It is, he says, the "Night Coast" of Etna for the great diversity of its wines spread over many locations (contrade) at different altitudes. The climate is continental and harsh, even snowy, in winter, but very warm and sunny from June to September. The altitude gives the wines tension and elegance. The vines coexist with a Mediterranean mixed crop: olive trees, almond trees, vegetable gardens... (Frank also produces olive oil). The vines range in age from forty to over one hundred years. The nineteen plots, covering twenty-four hectares in total, are all at altitude, between 600 and 900 meters, on several volcanic flows. They are all vinified separately: Frank decides on the blend based on the quality of the wines from each plot. In general, seven or eight vintages are produced in addition to the generic wines (rosé, basic red, and white). The soils are made up of different types of basalt, between powder and rock, with perfect drainage that allows for the production of concentrated and refined wines. Nerello Mascalese dominates the estate's grape varieties. This great traditional red grape variety from the northern valley of Etna is the only grape variety used in the great vintages. Its growing cycle is long, which allows the vine to work the soil and capture its minerality in the fruit. Other grape varieties include: Nerello Capuccio, Minella Bianco, Minella Nera, Alicante Bouschet, Malvasia, Cattaratto, Moscadella, Grecanico Dorato, Carricante, etc.