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Read more There are no vineyards in France more startling to the eye than those that cascade down to the Mediterranean Sea just north of where the Pyrenees divide France from Spain. These logic-defying vines, grown on unnumbered terraces hewn out of the cliffs, also give rise to wines of great originality and quality. La Cave de l’Abbé Rous is essentially a co-operative of small growers in the choicest sections of Banyuls and Collioure. It makes wines at the highest quality level of the two appellations. La Cave de l'Abbé Rous FEMALE WINEMAKER Producer: La Cave de l'Abbé Rous Country: France Region: Languedoc Subregion: Occitanie City of Origin: Banyuls Sur Mer Date Founded: 1980 Total Annual Production: 2,000,000 bottles/year Property History: Read more Located in Banyuls-sur-Mer, the Abbé Rous wine cellar produces and markets a beautiful range of AOP wines Collioure and Banyuls. The name was chosen in homage to the Abbot who, at the end of the nineteenth century, was the first to produce and sell Banyuls wines to finance the construction of a church for the village. Quality is its requirement and this for all the stages of the production of wines, from the management of the vine to the vinification and through breeding and presentation. With a unique know-how for the breeding of Banyuls and Banyuls Grand Cru , its range is of great richness. Banyuls and Collioure, wines born from the alliance of the shale and the Grenache. Literally rising from the rock,the Grenache is here the king grape variety, a true revelator of this terroir uniqueness in the world. Worked with passion and talent by the winemakers, it gives birth to rich and powerful wines, rare and elegant. Owner History: Read more la cave de l'abbé rous is run on a cooperative model. Wines By La Cave de l'Abbé Rous La Cave de l'Abbé Rous 2018 Cornet & Cie. Banyuls Rimage [12/500] View Wine La Cave de l'Abbé Rous 2002 Banyuls Grand Cru Christian Reynal 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 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 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 Toni Olmedes Alegre is a dynamic young producer who has resuscitated a century-old family tradition by creating this firm dedicated to traditional Vermut Rojo (and a rum!). They are situated in the town of Reus, close to Tarragon, and famous for its hazelnut production, and as the birthplace of Gaudí. Alegre Fot-Li Reus FEMALE WINEMAKER Producer: Alegre Fot-Li Reus Country: Spain Region: Catalonia Subregion: Tarragona City of Origin: Reus Owner Name: Toni Omedes Aegre Total Annual Production: 2,083 cases Property History: Read more History of the property Owner History: Read more Toni Omedes Alegre has been involved in the spirits business since he was born, his family started elaborating wines and spirits back in 1910 in Spain. Generation after generation they have continued this legacy with passion and dedication. In 2016 as a personal passionate challenge he found an ancient formula of “his perfect red vermouth”, from Reus where he started Fot-Li. Wines By Alegre Fot-Li Reus Alegre Fot-Li Reus NV Vermut View Wine

Read more The Bardet family has built up a significant stable of four St. Emilion Grand Cru estates in the last century, totalling 55 hectares, plus one in the adjoining Côtes de Castillon. Family patriarch Philippe is an influential figure in the region, as he heads up the technical commission of the St. Emilion Wine Council, with responsibility for terroir and sustainable development. His two older sons, Paul Arthur and Thibault, work by his side and are poised to take over when Paul and his wife Sylvie decide to retire. Vignobles Bardet FEMALE WINEMAKER Producer: Vignobles Bardet Country: France Region: Côtes de Castillon Property History: Read more History of the property Owner History: Read more History of the property Wines By Vignobles Bardet Vignobles Bardet 1998 Lideyre (Castillon - Cotes de Bordeaux) [3/1500] View Wine Vignobles Bardet 2003 Lideyre (Castillon - Cotes de Bordeaux) 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