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Read more The sleepy village of Charly on the very western frontier of Champagne, is home to a number of interesting producers, none more than this newly-discovered house. It was formed by the union of the two eponymous families in 1968, five years after they had joined together with other growers to form a co-operative in Charly. They remain members to this day, though the majority of their grapes are vinified in their own impressive facilities. Proprietors Laurent and Christine took over in 2000 and have always had a brisk trade on the domestic market, particularly with private customers. WineWise is actually their first American customer, and proud to be bringing their thoughtful range of diverse wines to the California market. The family, including the three children, are all keen amateur musicians – a fact reflected in the names of all their cuvées. The domaine covers 8.2 hectares of vines, which average 40 years of age, including a small plot around the house dedicated to three arcane varieties, called the Clos du Montdorin. The wines undergo systematic malolactic fermentation, and aging en tirage is longer than the average. We were impressed by the finesse and incisiveness across the board.. This is a house that exemplifies the strides being made by ambitious growers in the new era. We now have in stock a significantly increased assortment, so impressive are the current wines. They have divided their range into two lines : the “Classique”, made from the three Pinots, and “Cépages d’Autrefois”, which are based on or include the archaic varieties of Arbanne, Petit Meslier and Pinot Blanc. It should be noted that tragedy befell the family in the summer of 2018 when Laurent succumbed to illness at the unthinkable age of 45. Christine has taken over the reins and is showing great determination and optimism. This new assortment is testimony to her success. Léguillette-Romelot FEMALE WINEMAKER Producer: Léguillette-Romelot Country: France Region: Champagne Subregion: Marne Valley City of Origin: Charly-sur-Marne Date Founded: officially in 1973 Owner Name: Christine Leguillette Vineyard Size: 19.76 acres Total Annual Production: 40,000 bottles Property History: Read more Léguillette Romelot has almost 20 acres of vines planted, all in and around the village of Charly-sur-Marne. The average age of the vines is 40 years. Principal grapes : Meunier (60%), Chardonnay (25%) and Pinot Noir (5%). Additional grapes planted : Petit Meslier, Arbanne et Pinot Blanc, which are planted in the Clos du Mont Dorin, from whence comes a blend composed entirely of these permitted but unusual varieties...the 2015 vintage has yet to be released. Terroir argilo-calcaire : ce sol développe toutes les caractéristiques du Pinot Meunier, connu pour offrir des vins gourmands et généreux. Vinification : en cuves inox thermo-régulées - stockage en cuves époxy. Respect de l’environnement : Laurent a fait le choix d’une viticulture “propre” depuis de nombreuses années maintenant. Aujourd’hui l’ensemble de l’exploitation est enherbé et travaillé de façon mécanique, en utilisant le moins possible de produits chimiques. En 2019, nous serons, normalement, certifiés « Haute Valeur Environnementale » (H.V.E.) et « Viticulture Durable en Champagne » (VDC) Owner History: Read more 1705 The Romelot family, farmers in the region of l’Aisne, plant their first vines next to their other crops, and soon begin selling the grapes. 1963 The two families Léguillette and Romelot join with other growers to create a cooperative for pressing grapes and another for making wine. 1968 The marriage of M. Léguillette and de Melle Romelot brings their families together, and soon after the production of Champagne under the name Léguillette-Romelot began to be considered... 1973 The Champagne LEGUILLETTE André became Champagne LEGUILLETTE-ROMELOT 2000 The son of André Léguillette and Marie-France Romelot, Laurent took over the reins of the house of Champagne Léguillette-Romelot à Charly-sur-Marne, assisted by his wife, Christine. June 30th, 2018, M. Laurent LEGUILLETTE passed away. Christine, with the help of her team, took over the running of the estate. Wines By Léguillette-Romelot Léguillette-Romelot "Cepages d'Autrefois "Blanc de Blancs Brut View Wine Léguillette-Romelot N.V. "Prelude" Extra Brut View Wine Léguillette-Romelot N.V. "Cepages d'Autrefois" Brut View Wine Léguillette-Romelot 2009 "Notes Noires" Brut View Wine Léguillette-Romelot N.V. "Triolet" Extra Brut View Wine

Read more We are inordinately proud to have been appointed the California importers for this celebrated Côte des Blancs producer. Because she is married to Jean-Paul Hébrart, we have known and liked Isabelle Diebolt for many years. Presiding over an 11 hectare estate raised to prominence by her father Jean since the 1970’s (though they trace their roots to Cuis in the 1500’s), she is an indefatigable perfectionist whose vivid wines have won acclaim in all quarters. The majority of their chardonnay vines lie in Cramant (Grand Cru) and Cuis (1er Cru), with additional holdings in Chouilly and Le Mesnil (Grands Crus) and the Côtes d’Épernay. Their small plantings of black grapes are from the Montagne de Reims and the Côte de Bar. The juice for all their Blanc de Blancs wines is exclusively cuvée. With the exception of the Fleur de Passion, (their tête de cuvee), the wines systematically go through malolactic fermentation. The result is a range that stylishly limns the capacity of chardonnay to offer tautness, fruit and minerality. Drawn from a relatively small geographical expanse, the wines expertly reflect both the bracing particularity of their origin in the north of the Côte des Blancs and the rounder qualities derived from the vineyards towards Épernay – the best of both worlds! Diebolt-Vallois FEMALE WINEMAKER Producer: Diebolt-Vallois Country: France Region: Champagne Subregion: Cote des Blancs Date Founded: 1960 Owner Name: Jacques, Nadia, Isabelle, Arnaud, Ophelie Vineyard Size: 15 HA Total Annual Production: 160,000 bottles Property History: Read more Jacques and Nadia founded the winery in th 60's. Their children Arnaud and Isabelle joined them in the 80's. Now, the third generation, Ophelie (Arnaud's Daughter) is taking part too. Focusing on Blanc de Blancs, the estate has grown, the family buying land classified as Grand Cru in Cramant, Chouilly, Oger and Le Mesnil Sur Oger. Owner History: Read more History of the property Wines By Diebolt-Vallois Diebolt-Vallois N.V. Champagne Rose View Wine Diebolt-Vallois N.V. "Prestige" Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru MAGNUMS View Wine Diebolt-Vallois N.V. Champagne Rose View Wine Diebolt-Vallois N.V. Blanc de Blancs View Wine Diebolt-Vallois N.V. Blanc de Blancs [12/375] View Wine Diebolt-Vallois N.V."Tradition" Brut View Wine Diebolt-Vallois N.V. "Tradition" Brut View Wine Diebolt-Vallois N.V. "Prestige" Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru View Wine

Read more We weren't looking to add another Ribera del Duero producer to our portfolio, but when one of the few that is actually older than Valduero came knocking, we couldn't pass it up. The brothers Benjamin, Manuel and Adolfo Perez Pascuas established the winery in 1980, but their father Mauro actually planted grapes well before that. So, you have a well-established family business dedicated to top quality wines from all estate grapes featuring older vines. At about 2600 feet above sea level, these vines benefit from a wide diurnal temperature range, which preserves the acidity and hence freshness of the wines. Perez Pascuas FEMALE WINEMAKER Producer: Perez Pascuas Country: Spain Region: Ribera del Duero City of Origin: Pedrosa de Duero Date Founded: 1980 Owner Name: Benjamin, Manuel, and Adolfo Perez Pascuas Vineyard Size: 135 HA Total Annual Production: 500,000 Property History: Read more Bodegs Hnos. Pérez Pascus is an exmple of well-consolidted cellar, family owner for 3 genertions, distinguishing itself by maintining in irreproachable personality in its wines year after year. This is a family cellar, which has focused on quality from its inception, with hard work at the vineyard, and intense winemaking process from start to finish. All grapes come from their own 333 acres of vineyards: 90% Tina Fino (Tempranillo) and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon. A great number of the vines are over twenty-five years old and grow on privledged soils. Owner History: Read more In 1980, three brothers, Benjamin, Manuel, and Adolfo Perez Pascuas persuaded the excellent potential that was offered in the vineyards owned by their father Mauro decided to initiate a project. Their goal was to make one of the best wines in Spain and to make a dent in the international marketplace with their wines. This family cellar focuses on quality derived from its very beginnings and with much hard work and intense dedication. Wines By Perez Pascuas Perez Pascuas 1995 Vina Pedrosa Crianza View Wine Perez Pascuas 2019 Ribera del Duero El Pedrosal View Wine Perez Pascuas 2020 Ribera del Duero El Pedrosal View Wine Perez Pascuas 2019 Ribera del Duero Crianza View Wine Perez Pascuas 1994 Vina Pedrosal Crianza View Wine

Read more Long considered the leading producer of this Rhône district, Henri Bour makes wines of head-turning aromatic quality and strikingly accurate Syrah character. He also spearheaded the appellation’s change of name, in order to avoid the nuclear stigma associated with the previous appellation of Coteaux du Tricastin. After a few vintages where we thought that the estate was a little off its game, it seems to have regained its former flair and is again offering us that customary combination of purity and strength. Daughter Nathalie has taken over the commercial direction in recent years. Dom. de Grangeneuve FEMALE WINEMAKER Producer: Dom. de Grangeneuve Country: France Region: Rhone Subregion: AOC Grignan Les Adhemar City of Origin: Roussas Date Founded: 1964 Owner Name: Bour Family, Henri Bour Vineyard Size: 85 Total Annual Production: 400,000 bottles Property History: Read more History of the property Owner History: Read more The Bour family originates from Lorraine. In 1870, following the annexation of Alsace- Lorraine by Prussia, the Bour family was driven out of Lorraine, and relocated to Algeria. Our family’s involvement in making wine originated from the women of the family through influences from Orsero, Italy and Rosello, Spain. Our family returned to France following Algeria’s independence in 1962, and settled in Drôme Provençale. In 1964, looking to establish his own vineyard, Henri Bour (father) brought his family to Roussas and purchased the Domaine de Grangeneuve, which at the time, consisted of oak groves and a few acres of wheat. As it turned out, Henri Bour had chosen a land of great quality. However, it was several years of clearing, ploughing, scraping, and tilling until the land was ready for the planting of the vines. It was still 3 years before the first crop, and another 7 years before Henri began to harvest quality grapes. His initial plan was to sell the wine wholesale, but Henri began selling bottles direct to customers in order to better evaluate the market for his wine. This approach was a success, and for several years the Bour family multiplied their efforts to sale through the Domaine cellar, and through vintner shows promoting the wine for regional and international sales. In 1980, following the death of Henri Bour (senior), his wife Odette and their daughters took over responsibility of the domain. They were soon joined by Henri Bour (junior), who returned from Spain to help run his family’s vineyard. The family’s wine making process has steadily improved, and now includes the process of aging the wine in oak barrels to enhance flavor. Specific grapes have been planted for the white wines, and a range of red wines has been developed, including Cotes du Rhône Villages. The Bour family legacy of vintners is now in its third generation, with Henri’s daughter Nathalie, now assuming greater responsibilities shared by her husband Gilles Hecquet. Wines By Dom. de Grangeneuve Dom. de Grangeneuve 2013 La Truffière (Grignan-les Adhemar) View Wine Dom. de Grangeneuve 2013 Vieilles Vignes (Grignan-les Adhemar) View Wine Dom. de Grangeneuve 2014 'Esprit de Grenache' (Cotes du Rhone Villages) View Wine

Read more This estate, which dates back to 1635, represented our first foray into the iconic appellation of Pouilly-Fumé and has proved a hit. With their three distinctive soil-types dispersed through their 15 hectares of vines, almost exclusively planted to Sauvignon Blanc, they make three single-soil wines in addition to the flagship Pouilly-Fumé. Impeccably run by the ladies of the family. Dom. de Bel Air FEMALE WINEMAKER Producer: Dom. de Bel Air Country: France Region: Loire Subregion: Pouilly Fumé City of Origin: Saint Andelain Date Founded: 1635 Owner Name: Mauroy Vineyard Size: 39 acres Total Annual Production: 80,000 bottles Property History: Read more The family have been wine growers since 1635 covering thirteen generations, with land in the heart of the Pouilly Fumé area. The parish archives before then are unclear, as the the vineyard was then very fragmented, divided between many owners, renting or working their own vineyards. The plots were very small as evidenced by the notarial acts. However, by pursuing the Sadon lineal family (maiden name of our grandmother Raymonde), we can identify a Pierre Sadon, "vigneron" in 1635 in the parish of Pouilly, followed by five successive generations of Sadon noted as "vigneron à Pouilly" in parish and municipal archives. In the early 1800, there are two generations of Sadon both "vignerons" and "pontonniers" (that is to say boatmen of the Loire) in the hamlet of Charenton, village of Pouilly. Our great-great grandfather, Louis Sadon, left Charenton to settle as a vineyard owner in le Bouchot in the late nineteenth century where he married Marie Chollet. She inherited some of her parents' various bits of vines, and together they created the current Domaine de Bel Air. Their only son André Sadon nicknamed "Riquette", born in 1900, was a great believer in the new technology of the time, especially in the vineyard work. He made great improvements to the domaine. He trainedt his son in law Lucien Mauroy and daughter Raymonde to be good winemakers. The 40's were of course marked by war and occupation and the 50s were equally difficult for the vineyard, especially in le Bouchot, which had to suffer almost annually frost or hail. It has taken a lot of courage and perseverance to survive and remain faithful to an exciting job which is subject to the vagaries of nature! Owner History: Read more Gérard joined them at the end of the 1960's. With his wife Simone, he carried out a lot of modernization in the vineyard and the cellar (new tanks, thermoregulation,...) in order to keep on improving the quality of our wines. He also welcomed the new generation represented by Katia and Cedric in the mid 90s, in parallel with new plantings, diverse cultural practices (cover crops, thinning ...), an expansion of the winery, a new crush pad and tanks.. ... But modernism is well-balanced with tradition : de-budding, respect of soils, grass seeding, etc... Wines By Dom. de Bel Air Dom. de Bel Air 2021 Pouilly Fume 'Cuvee des Acoins' View Wine Dom. de Bel Air 2021 Pouilly Fume 'Cuvee Riquette' View Wine Dom. de Bel Air 2021 Pouilly Fume View Wine

Read more Württemberg is a region even more obscure outside Germany than Baden, but it enjoys tremendous renown at home for its singular renditions of autochthonous grapes such as Trollinger, Lemberger and Kerner, as well as the classics of Riesling and the burgundy varieties. With Germany’s automotive capital Stuttgart sucking up the lion’s share of the region’s wines, together with towns such as Heilbronn, Karlsruhe and Pforzheim, there has been little motivation for the best producers to seek export markets. This is the background against which we had the unbelievable good fortune to add this celebrated producer to our portfolio. The first and only producer in Württemberg to be given five “grapes” by the Gault Millau guide, the family has been established in Fellbach since 1492, both as coopers and wine-growers. In the sure hands of brothers Hansjörg and Matthias Aldinger, they have been propelled into the stratosphere of quality and acclaim. Their urban winery lies within spitting distance of the Mercedes Benz headquarters and Museum (whose exceptional restaurant, open to the public, naturally offers their wines). Among the many accolades they have won was a 100 point rating from Gault Millau for their 2011 Brut Nature Sekt. In short, what we have here is as good a wine producer as Germany offers, making an astonishing array of wines across the board and at every price echelon. Welcome to their world. Aldinger FEMALE WINEMAKER Producer: Aldinger Country: Germany Region: Württemberg Subregion: Remstal-Stuttgart City of Origin: Fellbach Date Founded: 1492 Owner Name: Hansjörg & Matthias Aldinger Vineyard Size: 32 HA Total Annual Production: 300,000 bottles Property History: Read more His arrival would set the foundation for what is today the region's oldest winegrowing estate. Almost 500 years later, in 1955, Gerhard Aldinger married Anneliese Aldinger (neé Pflüger) and decided to convert his father-in-law's existing cooperage into a full- scale winery. The 1973 acquisition of Untertürkheimer Gips marked another critical milestone in the estate's history. Following the vineyard's purchase, the word GIPS quickly established itself with a new meaning in the region: distinctive, mineral-rich wines unlike any produced here before. 1992 – Building on 500 years of wine growing tradition, Gert Joachim Aldinger takes the helm. Dubbed the 'King of the Kappelberg,' Gert Joachim Aldinger's decision to plant international grape varieties and radically reduce yield broke new ground in the region. 15 years later, the estate is among Württemberg's finest. And like the prized vines on the Fellbach slopes, Gert Aldinger's sons Hansjörg and Matthias are aging nicely into the second generation. This seamless transition is a tremendous point of pride for both the family and the estate. Owner History: Read more History of the property Wines By Aldinger Aldinger 2022 Feldhase Trollinger View Wine Aldinger 2020 Unterturkheimer Gips Marienglas GG Spaetburgunder View Wine Aldinger 2017 Lemberger View Wine Aldinger 2020 "Sine" Trollinger View Wine Aldinger 2021 Hanweiler Berg Lemberger 1er Lage View Wine Aldinger 2019 Fellbacher Trollinger Alte Reben View Wine Aldinger 2020 Unterturkheimer Gips Riesling trocken View Wine Aldinger 2019 "Sine" Trollinger View Wine Aldinger 2021 Unterturkheimer Gips Marienglas GG Riesling trocken View Wine Aldinger (2013) Brut Rose 2 Sekt View Wine Aldinger (2013) Pinot Brut 2 Sekt View Wine

Read more The Savoie region, hard by Lake Geneva, can barely produce enough to meet the demands of winter sports enthusiasts and summer hikers, but we’ve been lucky enough to secure one of its top estates. Abymes, and its slightly better-known neighbor Apremont, produce light, aromatic, exquisitely balanced wines from the Jacquère grape. Cousins Alexandra and Jérôme Labbé keep yields low to extract maximum flavor from this delicate variety, while retaining freshness and sheer pleasure-giving gulpability. Dom. Labbé FEMALE WINEMAKER Producer: Dom. Labbé Country: France Region: Savoie Owner Name: Roger Labbé Vineyard Size: 9 Property History: Read more Prior to being a wine estate, this property was used by the previous generation by the family for subsistence farming. Owner History: Read more Alexandra and Jérome took over the estate from their parents in 2004. Wines By Dom. Labbé

Read more Joel Gigou continues to be the iconic producer of Jasnières. This miniscule appellation is 25 miles north of Tours in the Coteaux du Loir (itself an appellation barely larger, where Gigou also has holdings). The whites are a product of that magical Loire symbiosis between Chenin Blanc and tufa. Arguably, the expression here is the most singular and extreme in all the Loire region. Gigou is a conscious archaist. One look at the ancient photograph on his labels of peasants tilling the vineyards will confirm that. But the wines will hold their own against all that modern wine-wizardry can throw forth. They have that thrilling fusion of fruit and mineral which only the greatest Rieslings, white burgundies and Savennières can offer, surmounted by an ethereal floral perfume that brings tears to the eye. Son Ludovic has been groomed to take over the estate, and he has proved to be as attuned as his father to the qualities that are Jasnières’ hallmark. When tasted amongst other wines of the appellation, they were as palpably dominant as any producer we have ever encountered in a comparative tasting. Unsurprisingly, they are a big hit with David Schildknecht. We have now bitten the bullet and brought in our first reds and sparkling wine. The wines have been organic for years, but starting with the 2018 vintage will be certified as such. The yeasts are native. Vins Gigou FEMALE WINEMAKER Producer: Vins Gigou Country: France Region: Loire Subregion: Coteaux du Loir, Jasnières City of Origin: La Chartre su le Loir Date Founded: 1974 Owner Name: Dorothée and Ludovic Gigou Vineyard Size: 32 acres Total Annual Production: 40-50,000 bt/yr Property History: Read more Established in 1974 with 4 hectares in the Jasnieres appellation in the Loire. The domaine currently has 13 hectares of organically farmed land and the estate itself boasts 3 guest rooms. Owner History: Read more Sylvie and Joël took over in 1974. Their son, Ludovic and daughter, Dorothée took over in 2012 and converted to organic farming practices. Wines By Vins Gigou Vins Gigou 2016 Jasnierès 'Jus de Terre' View Wine Vins Gigou 2020 Pineau d'Aunis (Coteaux du Loir) View Wine Vins Gigou N.V. "La Bulle Sarthoise" Rouge Demi-Sec View Wine Vins Gigou 2012 "Gigou't" (Gamay) View Wine Vins Gigou 2000 Jasnierès Clos St. Jacques View Wine Vins Gigou 2020 Jasnierès 'Jus de Terre' View Wine Vins Gigou N.V. "La Bulle Sarthoise" Rose View Wine Vins Gigou 2014 Jasnierès 'Jus de Terre' View Wine

Read more This 28 hectare domaine has holdings in six of the ten crus of Beaujolais and makes a series of impeccable, site-specific wines of uncanny precision and charm. Beaujolais is enjoying a resurgence of popularity and respect these days precisely because of the fastidious work of conscientious producers like Laurent Perrachon and his formidable son Maxime. Their achievement in 2020 is nothing short of stunning. Laurent Perrachon FEMALE WINEMAKER Producer: Laurent Perrachon Country: France Region: Beaujolais Subregion: Beaujolais City of Origin: Juliénas Date Founded: 1877 Owner Name: Famille Perrachon Vineyard Size: 74.1 acres Total Annual Production: 15,000 cases Property History: Read more The PERRACHON name appears in Julienas history as early as 1601. The Perrachon family acquired the domain of la Bottière, in Juliénas, in 1877. Then came the Domaine des Perelles on the Romanèche-Thorins territory, at the feet of the Moulin-à-Vent hills. The Domaine des Mouilles, now the heart of our operations, was acquired in 1989. It is the heart of the Julienas appellation, benefiting from the best exposure and the best soils. Recently, we added smaller parcels in Chénas, Fleurie, and Saint Amour. Owner History: Read more Today we harvest grapes on six Crus (30 hectares) : Julienas of course, but also Morgon, Moulin-à-Vent, Fleurie, Chenas and our latest addition, Saint-Amour, and also Beaujolais-Village rouge and Beaujolais Blanc (6.5 hectares). Today, the 7th generation of winemakers carries on its ancestor’s tradition with the same aim: to express the essence of the terroir. Wines By Laurent Perrachon Laurent Perrachon 2022 Morgon Cote du Py View Wine Laurent Perrachon 2020 Fleurie Vieilles Vignes View Wine Laurent Perrachon 2020 St. Amour "La Gagere" View Wine Laurent Perrachon 2021 Juliénas "les Mouilles" View Wine Laurent Perrachon 2018 Moulin a Vent "Terres Roses" View Wine Laurent Perrachon 2020 Beaujolais Villages "Terre de Loyse" View Wine Laurent Perrachon 2020 Moulin a Vent "Terres Roses" View Wine

Read more Rather as Vienna’s wines are something of an afterthought to many in an Austrian context, so do the wines of Portugal’s capital, Lisbon, suffer occlusion from the bigger shadow thrown by the Douro, Dão and Vinho Verde. But, there are no fewer than ten sub-districts to this region and they offer an impressive variety of wines, from the commanding age-worthy reds of Colhares to the vivid wines of Alenquer. We were immediately struck by the authenticity of the wines here, which so clearly matches that of its proprietors, sisters Rita and Ana Cardoso Pinto. The vineyards are planted to no fewer than 27 varieties, both autochthonous and international, in clay and limestone soils on gentle slopes that enjoy a southern exposure. The proximity to the Atlantic confers a cool lift that is most welcome. Production methods are integrated and all yeasts are native. As you can see, patience is a watchword at this estate, as it is with so many of our favorites. Quinta do Pinto FEMALE WINEMAKER Producer: Quinta do Pinto Country: Portugal Region: Lisbon Subregion: Alenquer appellation City of Origin: Merceana Owner Name: Antonio Cardoso Pinto Vineyard Size: 63 HA Total Annual Production: 150,000 Property History: Read more Quinta do Pinto is a family owned and run estate committed to produce boutique wines with the expression of the atlantic coast on the Alenquer appellation. We have a collection of 27 grapes, planted on gentle slopes of clay limestone soils, with southern exposure, that benefit from the Atlantic influence and that are forwarded to the winery where they are fermented using only indigenous yeast, thus producing wines that are a true portrait of terroir wines that are bodied, have a beautiful natural acidity and minerality . Records show that the wines produced in this estate in the past century were so differentiated that they we worth one more Pinto coin – the vintém coin that was the currency at the time. Being Pinto our surname, this was a challenging coincidence for the family. Owner History: Read more Cardoso Pinto family. Proprietor Antonio and his wife Ana. Daughters Rita and Ana work at the estate. Wines By Quinta do Pinto Quinta do Pinto 2015 Vinhos do Lasso Colheita Seleccionada Tinto View Wine Quinta do Pinto 2020 Vinhas do Lasso Colheita Seleccionada White View Wine Quinta do Pinto 2018 Estate Collection White View Wine

Read more Crete is the largest island in the Mediterranean, which means that it offers marked climatic, geographical and even cultural differences within its expansive bounds. The wines of Chania on the western side of the isle diverge markedly from those of Heraklion, making the inclusion in our range of a second producer quite logical. The brothers Pateromichelakis are essentially two local olive farmers speaking the thick Cretan dialect who happen to make wine – but WHAT wine it is! We were especially impressed by the reds here, above all those made from autochthonous varieties. Pateromichelakis FEMALE WINEMAKER Producer: Pateromichelakis Country: Greece Region: Crete Subregion: Chania City of Origin: Lousakies Owner Name: Yiannis and Manos Pateromihelakis Property History: Read more They own 5ha of organically farmed vineyards in Kissamos region of western Chania. The majority of grapes are coming from the vineyard “Domata (Tho-ma-ta) at an altitude of 300 metres overlooking the Aegean sea and benefiting from the north cool breezes which help in perfect ripening conditions and retaining acidity in the grapes. The winery is producing wines from Romeiko, Mavrotragano and Assyrtiko grapes. Owner History: Read more Pateromihelakis “π” Winery is a newly founded winery with a long family tradition in viticulture, winemaking and in organic olive oil making. The family was a very important wine making producer in the western part of Crete until the second world war. Yiannis and Manos, the twin brothers of the family, decided in 2005 to revive the legacy and started experimental vinifications of Romeiko, the most significant indigenous grape variety of Chania prefecture, and also Mavrotragano, a very important black variety of the Cyclades. Wines By Pateromichelakis Pateromichelakis 2022 Romeiko View Wine

Read more When Vasco Croft of Aphros recommended António to us, he described him as “a young brilliant producer who is making a unique job with reaching old vines and terroirs, using organic farming and biodynamics.” He further stated that he thought these the best wines in the Dão today, and certainly the most mineral. We, having had the happy experience of working with Alvaro Castro for several years, thought that this might be a stretch, but were encouraged to learn that António had made his first wines with Alvaro. After a long and intense video call and a giddy tasting of a range of his wines in Germany, all doubt was dispelled and we could hardly believe our good fortune at having secured the rights to yet another Portuguese star of the highest order. Despite his exemplary Portuguese name, António is actually a Frenchman, brought up in Paris. He had a successful career as an engineer until the wine siren came calling and he was moved to return to his ancestral home in the Serra da Estrela, the high country which yields most of the Dão’s greatest wines – and Portugal’s best cheeses. He set out to find unknown or abandoned vineyards planted to old vines and made his first wine in 2011. Since then, he has expanded his sources to about 25 plots planted in eight hectares, all cultivated organically. He typically works with field blends, but has an understandable regard for Encruzado, which he is systematically replacing for Tinto Roriz. António is not the first grower we know who claims to be inspired by Burgundy (Fílipa Páto is another), but he is one of the few whose wines bear out the ambitious homage. Antonio Madeira FEMALE WINEMAKER Producer: Antonio Madeira Country: Portugal Region: Dão Subregion: Serra da Estrela City of Origin: Seia Date Founded: 2010 Owner Name: Antonio Madeira Vineyard Size: 8 HA Total Annual Production: 30,000 bottles Property History: Read more António Madeira, who is French of Portuguese descent, has his roots in the foothills of Serra da Estrela. Since 2010, António Madeira has been researching the places in this sub-region, that his ancestors elected as the best for winemaking, those that we might call the 'Grands Crus of the Dão highlands' and found a series of old vines that are distinctive because of the authenticity of their grape varieties, the characteristics and nuances of their granite soils and sun exposures. Owner History: Read more António Madeira is of French and Portuguese descent. He worked in Paris in Engineering during 15 years before changing his life, leaving Paris and Engineering to dedicate his life to make wines in the region of his family roots, the Dão in Portugal. Wines By Antonio Madeira Antonio Madeira 2021 Palhete Ainda (6 x750) View Wine Antonio Madeira 2019 Vinhas Velhas Tinto (Dão) View Wine Antonio Madeira 2019 "A Liberdade" Branco View Wine Antonio Madeira 2019 "A Palheira" Tinto View Wine Antonio Madeira 2020 Vinhas Velhas Branco (Dão) View Wine