French Wines
Maison Albert Bichot – Burgundy
The first traces of the Bichot family date back to 1214 and from 1350 the family was established in Burgundy. In 1831 Bernard Bichot whose son Albert gave the house its name, founded a wine brokerage and the first vines were purchased in Volnay. Today Alberic Bichot heads this family business which has 245 acres of Premier Cru and Grand Cru vines, principally in Chablis, the Cote de Nuit and the Cote de Beaune. The outstanding results in prestigious competitions and numerous awards are testament to the outstanding wines produced by Albert Bichot. These include Red Wine Maker and White Wine Maker of the year in the International Wine Challenge.
Domaine Lafond – Rhone
The Lafond family’s history in the Southern Rhone dates back to 1780. The cellar was rebuilt in 1970 and named Roc-Epine after a champion racehorse. All wines are now produced organically by Jean Baptiste and Pascal Lafond from their vineyards in Tavel, Lirac and Chateauneuf du Pape. The wines are highly regarded amongst leading critics and wine lovers alike.
Domaine du Colombier – Chablis
The Domaine du Colombier has been a family property since 1887, handed down over several generations. Guy Mothe started to specialise in vinifying Chablis in 1957 and so the vines planted are exclusively Chardonnay. Today, Thierry, Vincent and Jean-Louis Mothe work the 55 Hectare estate which covers the 4 Chablis appellations. Their winemaking respects the best of the traditional Burgundian methods whilst embracing the new.
Domaine Berthet Rayne Chateauneuf du Pape
Domaine Berthet Rayne is located in Courthezon, North of Avignon in the Rhone Valley. The first vines were planted by Raoul Raymond on the family farm in the 1920s.
By 1978 the family established Domaine Berthet Rayne. Now in the fourth generation the family has 29 hectares of organic vineyards.
The winery follow many traditional practices in the vineyards and wine production and all grapes are hand harvest.
Domaine Jean-Marc Bernhard Alsace
Domaine Jean-Marc Bernhard is situated in the village of Katzenthal, on the west side of Colmar in the heart of the Alsatian wine country. The family estate’s buildings date from the 16th century and were acquired by the Bernhard family in 1802. All seven permitted Alsatian grape varieties are grown on their 9 hectares of vines. Nine generations of the family have brought a wealth of experience which has ensured a high level of quality over successive generations, now in the hands of Frederic Bernhard. The estate achieved organic status in 2012.
Chateau d’ Aussieres – Corbieres Lafite Rothschild
Aussieres has been producing wine since Roman times becoming the wine of choice in Rome itself. After decades of decline, the vineyards were acquired by the church, who presided over them for nearly 800 years. In the 18th century Aussieres was procured by the estate of Napoleon Bonaparte, but again fell into decline after the wars. Finally, in 1999 Domaines Barons de Rothschild (Lafite) bought the estate and have since continued investing in the vineyards and the winery. Once again Chateau d’Aussieres is producing outstanding wines.
Domaine de la Rossignole – Sancerre
he Cherrier family have been passionately tending their vines in Sancerre since 1848. The Domaine was named after one of the first vineyards acquired by the family, which is now headed by brothers Francois and Jean Marie. The brothers both studied in Beaune and since taking over the running of the family estate have propelled Rossignole to the front ranks of Sancerre producers. With only 20 hectares of vines, some up to 70 years old, this small Domaine is best known for its flinty white Sancerre, it also produces small amounts of Rose Sancerre.
Domaine de la Cote Fleurie Beaujolais
Domaine de la Cote Fleurie is an award winning 3rd generation estate nestled in the quaint village of Saint Laurent d’Oignt. Pascal Chatelus passionately tends his 20 hectares of vines averaging 50 years old in order to produce a modern playful style with soft tannins produced using the Gamay grape.
Les Vignerons du Roy Rene Provence
Founded in 1922 by Jules Reynaud, Mayor of Lambesc. The name of the cellar, the winegrowers of Roy Rene is based on the history of the commune, which was in 1453 strongly influenced by King Rene (Duc d’Anjou, Comte de Provence and Fourcalquier). Today the Co-Operative consists of 712 hectares, representing 94 estates of which 70% is AOP Coteaux d’Aix en Provence.
