Blog posts tagged with 'french wine'

Nestled amidst the picturesque landscapes of Burgundy lies Domaine Faiveley, a true beacon of excellence in the world of wine. What began as a classic negociant business in Nuits St. Georges has evolved into a renowned domaine with a rich history spanning seven generations. Unlike many negociant houses, Domaine Faiveley didn't just buy and sell wine; they had a vision of creating their own legacy through the production of exceptional wines. Over the years, they steadily acquired properties across the Cotes de Nuits, the Cotes de Beaune, Cotes Chalonnaise, and even Chablis, solidifying their status as the most important vineyard owners in Burgundy. With 120 hectares of meticulously selected small plots, typically not larger than 1 hectare in size, Domaine Faiveley has curated a collection of vineyards that truly exemplify the essence of Burgundy. Each plot is carefully tended to, reflecting the unique terroir of its surroundings and contributing to the domaine's portfolio of exceptional wines. From the elegant Pinot Noirs of the Cotes de Nuits to the vibrant Chardonnays of Chablis, Domaine Faiveley's wines are a testament to the family's unwavering dedication to quality and tradition. Join us as we delve into the captivating world of Domaine Faiveley and uncover the legacy of excellence that continues to define this esteemed domaine.

Step into the world of Maison Camille Giroud, where tradition meets innovation in every bottle of wine. Established in 1865, Maison Camille Giroud has earned a distinguished reputation as one of the finest boutique negociants in Burgundy. Presided over by Carel Voorhuis of Domaine d’Ardhuy, Maison Camille Giroud continues to uphold its legacy of crafting eccentrically traditional wines. While rooted in tradition, their style today is a testament to innovation, with wines that are exceptionally aromatic, refined, and boasting a wonderful texture. From the vibrant Pinot Noirs to the elegant Chardonnays, Maison Camille Giroud's wines are a true reflection of Burgundy's terroir and heritage. Each bottle tells a story of craftsmanship and dedication, making them a prized addition to any wine collection. At our stock, you'll find a curated selection of Maison Camille Giroud wines, handpicked to showcase the diversity and quality of their offerings. Join us as we explore the captivating world of Maison Camille Giroud and discover the timeless charm of their eccentrically traditional wines.

Enter the enchanting world of Chateau d’Yquem, where centuries of history and unparalleled flavors converge. From its medieval beginnings under the ownership of the King of England to its esteemed status as the most renowned chateau in Sauternes today, Chateau d’Yquem has left an indelible mark on the wine world. When first bottled, Chateau d’Yquem exhibits a dark yellow or gold hue that evolves over time, taking on deeper, richer tones. A 40-year-old d’Yquem may resemble caramel, while bottles twice that age could exhibit the color of dark coffee. But it's not just the color that changes with age; the flavors of Chateau d’Yquem also undergo a remarkable transformation. In its youth, the wine boasts honey-drenched tropical fruit flavors, which gradually give way to notes of caramel, burnt toast, spice, and creme brulee as it matures. Chateau d’Yquem is truly an immortal wine, a must-have for any wine lover and collector. At our stock, you'll find a curated selection of Chateau d’Yquem wines, each one a testament to the estate's legacy of excellence and craftsmanship. Join us as we embark on a journey through the timeless elegance of Chateau d’Yquem and discover the magic of Sauternes in every sip.

Château Lagrange started humble but is today a successful Third Growths Winehouse. The estate is 182 hectares large and located entirely within the appellation of Saint-Julien. When the property was acquired by the Japanese company Suntory, the French were skeptical, but we can’t deny: the Japanese have made Château Lagrange great again. The Appellation Saint-Julien Saint-Julien is an Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée (AOC) for red wine in Bordeaux, more specifically the Médoc subregion. The wines of this appellation are mainly produced in Saint-Julien-Beychevelle, located on the left bank between Margaux and Pauillac. The primary grape of Saint-Julien is Cabernet Sauvignon, along with Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Malbec, Petit Verdot, and traces of Carménère. The southern wines are described as smoother and more feminine, while the northern wines are more robust and powerful. Château Lagrange is located in the north of the Saint-Julien appellation. The History of Château Lagrange The story of Château Lagrange dates back to the Gallo-Roman times when the original estate was called Villa Rustica. During the Middle Ages, the Templars joined two domains and made Lagrange the largest wine producer in the Médoc. Over the centuries, the domain was owned by many different people. In the 18th century, Baron de Brane, a Bordeaux parliament member and owner of Mouton, bought the estate. Subsequently, influential merchant Jean-Valère Cabarrus invested in Lagrange and spread its wines through his sales network. The Italianate tower, depicted on the label, was constructed in 1796 by the next owner Jean Valerie Cabarrus, Napoleon’s Finance Minister in Spain. But it was his successor, Count Duchatel, who was the first to truly improve the domain’s wines: he added a drainage system to the vineyard. This is very common today but back then it was revolutionary. In 1855, the year of the Bordeaux Wine Official Classification, Château Lagrange was ranked as Third Classified Growths. It was truly a golden age for the estate, but everything changed in the 20th century due to the World Wars and Depression. In 1983, the Japanese group Suntory acquired the domain and appointed Marcel Ducasse and Kenji Suzuta to restructure the vineyard and renovate the estate. This was the beginning of the château’s rebirth. Year after year, they put in hard work and investments. Today Château Lagrange is led by Matthieu Bordes and Keiichi Shiina, who keep refining the production. The Exceptional Terroir of Château Lagrange The center of the domain is the highest point in Saint-Julien. The estate covers 182 hectares and has a gravelly soil combined with sand or iron-rich clay, depending on the plot. The soil is perfect for the Cabernet Sauvignon grape and covers 67% of the vineyard. 28% is dedicated to the Merlot grape and 5% to Petit Verdot, which gives the wines of Château Lagrange their unique complexity. Château Lagrange is one of the few properties in Saint-Julien that also produces white wine. The white wine vineyard covers 7.5 hectares, of which 60% is Sauvignon Blanc, 20% Sauvignon Gris, and 20% Sémillon. This wine is sold under the name Les Arums de Lagrange. In 1985, Suntory also started the production of a second wine: Les Fiefs de Lagrange. Tradition and Perfection The vines are maintained with great care and respect for tradition. Production is also as eco-friendly as possible. During harvest, the grapes are hand-picked and sorted both manually and by an optical sorting machine. Only the best remain. Vinification takes place in stainless steel vats with respect to each plot. Each plot has its own vat, which contributes to the quality of the wines. Afterwards, the oenologist of Château Lagrange blends the wines to create a perfect harmony. The wines are aged in oak barrels for at least 20 months. The Wines of Château Lagrange The wines are described as bright and deeply colored with notes of fruits and oak. As the young wines contain many tannins, it’s better to wait at least 8 to 10 years before serving your Château Lagrange wine. An aging period of 10 to 25 years is even better. In the mood for an intense and complex wine? Discover our handpicked selection of Château Lagrange wines in our online shop.