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On the road of wines, in the heart of the vineyard of Alsace, is located a peaceful village of Orschwihr, home to the Braun family. At the top of the unusual hill of Bollenberg, the chapel peaks and overlooks this village. All around extends the family vineyard in the prestigious terroirs of Pfingstberg, Bollenberg et Lippelsberg. In 1960, Camille Braun decided to stop polyculture to focus on the most beautiful of all, viticulture. 27 years later, he entrusted the responsibility of the estate to his children, Christophe et Marie-Laure. Today, the vines extend to the village of "Uffholtz", birthplace of Chantal, the wife of Christopher. Their use of the vine is respectful of the environment and the originality of the different soils. The estate's wines express themselves with a great honesty and a perfect balance.

Located in the vineyard of Entre-Deux-Mers, in the heart of the appellation "Haut Benauge", on the hill of "Tucaou" (pronounce Tuquo) culminates an exclusive vineyard with a privileged location. Acquired by the Ferran family in 1976, the estate has evolved since the arrival of Julien in 2007. With the help of his parents, Béatrice and Alain, this biologist by trade never ceases to select, monitor and understand this terroir by observing the native flora growing in the rows to analyze the characteristics and deduct the best way to work the soil (replanting, new rootstock). Here we still plow, the young plots with horses, and this, as always, without fuss. Here we stimulate the life of the soil, we treat the vines with precision. That's why some parcels of Merlot are over 50 years old. Members of "Renaissance des Appellations", the Ferrans now incorporate the methods of Biodynamics. Their wines are intensely delicate and tasteful, they express with sincerity the characteristics of a respected soil.

 

Rooted in the land of Saint-Emilion for over three centuries, the Despagne family is involved in the works of the vine and wine for at least 11 generations. In 1972, by intheritance, the family took charge of part of the vineyards acquired by Louis Rapin between 1938 and 1964 in Montagne, Saint Emilion, Pomerol and Libourne. Heir to a long tradition, Nicolas Despagne enthusiastically defends his ethics dedicated to preserving the environment, the wine quality and authenticity. In his book "Carnet of Harvest", he captures the birth of the great 2005 vintage through the Châteaux Maison Blanche, Tour de Corbin-Despagne and La Rose Figeac which were all under his charge with his sister, Nathalie. Diary of a harvest, unusual and special, this book demonstrates the sincerity of its author, an exceptional winegrower. Assisted by Corinne, his wife and winemaker (who "complains" of being too little sollicited), Nicolas Despagne now closes the trend started in 2000 with a biodynamic certification. The prestigious wines that he produces with such humility are incredibly authentic. Member of "Renaissance des Appellations" in 2017.

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Since arriving at the estate in 2008, Raphaël Saint-Cyr, representing the fourth generation of winemakers in his family, has continuously worked to develop and grow his parent's estate: conversion to organic agriculture, single vineyard cuvées aged on fine lees for extended time (6 to 18 months), wild yeasts, finely-tuned extraction - a far cry from the Beaujolais primeurs. As part of the new, dynamic and ambitious generation of winemakers in the region, Raphaël strives above all else to make his Beaujolais wines the most authentic representation of their famous pierres dorées (golden stones) terroir. His cuvées are elegant and superbly refined, the fruit structure is balanced and the body is soft and lush. The biodynamic approach is on mind. Raphaël is meticulous about his vines, and his wife Karine is eager to support him in this transition. A great winemaker in the making, one to discover without hesitation.

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Located on slopes, between Chablis and Tonnerre, where the small village of Fleys overlooks the 1st Crus "Vaucoupin", "Mont de Milieu" and "Les Fourneaux", Corinne Grossot never stops  admiring the craggy landscapes made of stony ground. With her husband Jean-Pierre and daughter Eve, they produce wines  with a beautiful texture offering great mineral emotions. The 18 hectares of vineyards owned by the Grossot family since the 1920’s are major references of the Chablis region. The carebrought to the vines  is obvious, and if the  growing has been controlled for over 20 years, a gradual transition to organic growing methods  has been taking place for  the past 10 years  which extends to using their own vine branches to heat theentire winery ! The cellar is equipped with modern facilities  such as double-bottomed tubs, a sorting table and two pneumatic presses.  The juice  is extracted by gravity  in thermo-regulated stainless steel vats. The  juice is then  sent  to 2 wineries : one  dedicated to the current vintage and the other  to the aging of the previous vintage.  Maturing takes between 9  and 18 months to  produce successful Chablis wines   with a perfect balance.  Oak barrels  are carefully used (30% maximum),  to enhance the fruit  underlined by the saltiness of the oyster fossil, the jewel of Chablis.

In organic conversion.

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Located in the charming village of Saint-Romain, the Buisson family have been winegrowers for 8 generations. Spread over 19 hectares, their beautiful vineyard offers great names from the Côte de Beaune such as Volnay, Corton, Meursault and Pommard. In Saint-Romain, the Buissons produce several cuvees with specific localities, wishing to reveal the most authentic expression of the terroir. Since 2000, Frank and Frederic have taken over and moved the lines. The vineyard is cultivated in organic farming and the vinification is made by intuition. Time, suited to vintages, is totally devoted to listening to their Burgundian terroirs. The great wines of the estate are dazzling by their complexity, elegance and finesse.

Biodynamic certification in process with Biodyvin

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Pure jewel of the Mâconnais, the Cornin estate produces exceptional wines. Owner of 10 hectares of vineyards on the fabulous terroirs of Chaintré and Fuissé, Dominique has been working in organic farming since 1993, already convinced at the time that the priority is not yield, but obtaining healthy grapes, full of Terroir, thanks to living soils and vines that regain their own vital energy. In 2011, his son Romain joined his father to take care of winemaking. Aware that the family vineyard, made up of 30 parcels, is based on a real geological millefeuille, alternating marls, clays and limestones more or less hard, he makes the choice to focus on soft aging in oak. His leitmotiv: the purest expression of Chardonnay and the nuances of each terroir. The wines of the estate are elegant and intense, with almost airy precision, a true result of a beautiful harmony between father and son.

Biodynamy not certified

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At the gates of the beautiful Pyrenees Orientales, facing the Mediterranean coast, between fragrant garrigue and sun-soaked vineyards, lies in the region of Languedoc the village of Ferrals les Corbières. In its historical centre is located the Ledogar estate. For 3 generations, the Ledogar family has cultivated 18 hectares of vines, issued from an amazing variety of different grapes, with surprisingly very old roots (60 to 120 years). Planted all around the village, on the precious terroir of Boutenac, the family vineyard is cultivated organically, with biodynamic herbal medicine for some plots. In 1998, the family estate emancipated itself from the local cooperative and vinified its first wines at the initiative of its successor, Xavier Ledogar. Assisted by Mathieu his younger brother, he strove to produce "pure blood" Corbières. Today, the brothers have found their style and grow with excellence the fruit, the sun and the freshness. Members of the association "Change the Aude county into wine", the young dynamic winegrowers campaign for an authentic expression of their terroir. Engaged artisans with a big heart, they are certainly part of the rising stars of the appellation Corbieres.

Biodynamy not certified

 

Pithon, a name that resonates loud and clear in the Loire ! At the origin of the story is the charismatic winemaker Jo Pithon who, with his wife Isabelle, wanted in 2008 to prepare the transition of their estate to their children. The vineyards, encompassing 22 acres, lie on top of an Armorican range of hills with exceptionally rich soils made up of rolled galets and crushed stones, as well as igneous rock. The famous cuvée from the COTEAU DES TREILLES is a jewel of purity and refinement. The vines in question, planted before World War Two, had been abandoned due to the steep incline of the slope, up to 70% in some areas. In 1998, the Pithon family took on the challenge of purchasing 70 separate single vineyards from 25 different sellers to reclaim the lands and plant 8 acres of vines. Located in a Natura 2000 site (regionally protected natural reserve), environmentally respectful agriculture was essential to preserve the natural fauna and flora of such an incomparable site.
Since the fall of 2018, Ivan Massonnat has taken over the estate with very much the same mentality. He recently purchased almost 40 extra acres of vineyards in the Savennières and Quarts de Chaume AOPs, thus reinforcing the estate’s notoriety in terms of Chenin Blanc. Throughout the winemaking process, the wines are meant to be a natural expression of the exceptional terroir, with single vineyard cuvées such as Bonnes Blanches, Clos des Ruchères or les Quarts. The wines are made using only wild yeasts, and are left to evolve naturally in small to medium sized barriques for long periods of time (one to two years). Sampling the BELARGUS estate's wines is the guaranteed equivalent of a great Loire valley voyage !

In biodynamic conversion.

 

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In the heart of the appellation Muscadet Sevre et Maine, at le Fay d'Homme near Monnières, the Caillé family have been winegrowers for 5 generations. Vincent Caillé, who took over the family vineyard in 1986, is part of a new generation of winegrowers who decided to pursue a policy of uncompromising quality. With the stubbornness of passion, he produces Muscadet Sevre et Maine of high expression. On different type of soils (gneiss, gabbro and orthogneiss), he works the land with tillage or natural grass. Grown "organically" since 1996, the vines blossom on living soils that have recovered their wild tulips, a protected species affected for a long time by chemical treatments in the region. Vincent Caillé is one of the few winegrowers from Nantes who produce "organic" Muscadet, a true priesthood due to the oceanic climate and the propensity of Melon to welcome mildew. In the cellar, he vinifies his wines in the traditional way with indigenous yeast and long aging on lees. His wines, with angelic prices, are of remarkable density and sensitivity that restore the image of a resurgent appellation.

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Located on the right bank of the Loire river, the Domaine du Bouchot was the first area certified organic farming AOP Pouilly Fumé in 2009. Its 10 hectares of vines from the Sauvignon grape are planted on the south-west side of the hill from the village of Saint Andelain, the soils are mainly clay and limestone from the Kimmeridgian. The configuration of the estate, isolated in the center of its vineyards, allows a very precise biodynamic work, the vinifications that follow are done with a little intervention and the wines produced express the finesse of a preserved terroir. 2018 marks the arrival of Antoine Gouffier, young winemaker and child of the village, who takes over from the Kerbiquet family with great energy. Plantations of vines, renovation of the cellar, purchases of tuns and amphora, new orange vintage, makeover of the skins ... it's moving at Bouchot ! To discover and follow closely.

Biodynamy not certified

 

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Around the village of St. Gemme is located a beautiful 17th century property. At its centre radiates a majestic castle, the Nozay. Acquired by the De Benoist family at the end of the 19th century, the area became a vineyard in 1971 when Philippe and Marie-Helène decided to plant vines. Today, 15 hectares of Sauvignon surround the castle. This isolated and preserved environment is an exception in the Sancerre region. Cyril de Benoist, aware of his privilege, applies himself to extracting its quintessence. After gaining experience at Bouzeron with his uncle Aubert de Villaine, the current co-manager of the legendary Domaine de la Romanée-Conti, he joined the family estate in 1991. Careful of whatever he does, the meticulous winegrower is constantly listening to his vineyard, seeking to understand its soil to better support it. In his cellar, surprisingly dug into a north exposed mound, he vinifies his wines in the traditional way. His Sancerre are remarkably intense. The Nozay estate remains a family winery, isolated in a haven of peace and tranquility. The wine made there is totally like him.

 

At the entrance of the Gorges Bagorèse, on the right bank of the Argens, an enchanting turquoise blue reflections river overhung by beautiful steep cliffs, is Correns, a village in the Provence countryside, outside the national roads. A few miles away is located the Domaine des Aspras that tells a beautiful story about the meeting between a family and a terroir : 50 years ago, Gottfried and Lisa Latz left the Belgian Congo, landed in the south of France and settled in Correns in Provence where they discovered their passion about wine. The family shortly bought some parcels of vines and during many years sold the grapes to the negoce. In 1971, when Michael Latz, agricultural engineer by training, joined his widowed mom for help, the first bottles are marketed and Domaine des Aspras is born.
Aspras honors this exceptional terroir with secular fame, whose Benedictine monks of Montmajour had already acknowledged the unique wine growing potential in the 13th century. The limestone hills that surround the area gave it its name "asper" - (aspera, rockery in Latin).
This land is cultivated in organic farming, to 95 % today. An initiative of Mayor Michael Latz , who gathered the habitants of Correns in early 1995. Today, the village of Correns is the 1st ORGANIC village of France, distinguished by its preserved quality of life and also by its environmentally friendly agriculture.
The Domaine des Aspras takes the Latz family's motto : "Know thyself" (te ipsum nosce). The work of their soil and in their cellar is guided by the determination to product organic wines with a true reflection of its exceptional .
Symbol of strength and beauty, the Unicorn invites us to go a few steps further on the path that leads to wisdom. It's a beautiful journey that offers the tasting of these great wines, highly confidential...

 

It is close to Pont du Gard, in the quiet village of St Hilaire d'Ozhilan, that Bertrand and Claudie chose to settle in 1997. After 20 years as winegrowers for the local cooperative, their great adventure began. With the support of their neighbour and friend, famous actor Jean-Louis Trintignant, their dream became reality. Their flight was immortalized by the great artist, Enki Bilal, who illustrated the first label of a bird which has now become the emblem of the estate. But here, the star is Bertrand, the soul of the wine. In constant search of progress, he works with rigour and precision. Its vines are cultivated organically, the harvest is manual and the vinifications are natural. With the precious help of Claudie, his wife, he cultivates a subtle freshness, fragrance and smoothness.

In the village of Trespoux-Rassiels, Mas del Perié culminates Cahors vineyards from it height of 320m above sea level. When Fabien Jouves arrived in the estate in 2006, this young winegrower intends to move the lines of the historical appellation of Cahorsto express greshness and finesse with the purity of the fruit of the Malbec grape. With ambition and tenacity, he begins a long process of anlyse of the soils, conversion to biodynamic faming (member of "Renaissance des Appellations"), long agings on lies in barrel and now amphora. Today, Fabien Jouves is a winegrower who knows exactly his terroir and the whispers of his vineyard. Always listening to its plots cuvees, it became one of the best references of the Cahors appellation. Still passionated and player, Fabien Jouves produces some recreational cuvees, more confidential, from old grapes that he wants to preserve. The pleasure is guaranteed !

 

On the hill he grew up, Frédéric Broutet planted his first vines in 2006. At 50 yearsold, as young as his vineyard, this engineer (born in Cognac) had not only the guts to sell his Parisian business thunderstorm detection systems, but also to dare to realize his dream of becoming winemaker. Supported by his wife, Veronica, he launched into the greatest adventure of his life. From the beginning, he made the courageous decision to cultivate his vineyard in organic farming, up to fix the vine with natural acacia poles, 100% organic ! To clean up the water from his activities, it also invested heavily in a High Environmental Quality cellar. After several years of hard work, the passionnate new winegrower is happy. His vineyard, extremely beautifully exposed, covers 12,5 hectares and the first vintages already signed the promise of a great terroir. His wines, awarded by the press and competition, are intense and generous, offering a soft and delicious flesh. A beautiful signature to discover. Wines of pleasure to share without moderation.

 

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This is the story of two families from Champagne, one owner on the Côte des Blancs, the other in the valley of the Marne. The story of a happy wedding, the one of Caroline Picard and Olivier Collard. Heirs of four generations of winegrowers, they took off in 2006 and invested above the village of Villers sous Chatillon, the village where Olivier grew up. Their facilities are ambitious, with the perfect balance between tradition and modernity. Their press machine separates the heart of cuvees, the tanks are temperature-controlled, the pigeages are slow and maceration is cold. Here, there is no malolactic fermentation, but long aging in oak barrels up to 2 years. The corks are put at bottling and the dispensing liquor is issued from the grape juice. This strict discipline is also found in the vineyard, with a work respectful of the environment and the terroir. A philosophy that Olivier has inherited from his grandfather, Rene, a pioneer in the area. Their wines, definitely "haute couture", sublimate the palate by their refinement and precision

Récoltant-manipulant not organic certified.

 

 

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The founders of the Maddam brewery are two cousins, Alexis and Vianney Madelin, both of whom grew up in Burgundy. Alexis had previously worked in the vineyards in Châteauneuf du Pape, in Australia and then in Chablis for many years, while Vianney, after completing his woodworking studies, turned towards artistic design and creation for famous Champagne houses and renowned distilleries. Driven by a determination to offer high quality, artisanal French beers, and by a desire to return to their native lands, in 2016 the two cousins decided to renew the Burgundian brewing tradition in a land where wine is king, in the very heart of Chablis! Their beers are modern, 100% artisanal and organic. They are brewed with various, hand-selected types of barley, all of which are grown in Burgundy, and using patiently elaborated and jealously guarded recipes inspired by refined and generous gastronomical brews. Maddam beers are all-natural, non-filtered and non-pasteurized, created by a unique brewing method of 60 days (fermentation in steel vats between 68 to 78 degrees Fahrenheit, bottling with a light addition of sugar and yeast, second fermentation at 77 degrees Fahrenheit lasting two weeks, labeling and ageing in bottle for two weeks before release). The finely crafted Maddam beers stand out from other French beers due a delicate head, their fine bubbles and their smooth and finely balanced texture on the palate