New generation wine

Foreigners on Languedoc soil! Liz and Robin Williamson from Guernesey did not hesitate to cross the Channel to settle on this small sunny corner of Murviel-les-Montpellier. No orange trees, but vines worked with care, and ploughed in winter; sheep are left to graze under the stumps. A range of wine in Coteaux du Languedoc and a rosé Fleurs de Liz en Vin du de Pays de l’Hérault. A great gift idea: The domain will allow you to sponsor a vine.

New winemakers at last, but not beginners! Jean-Pierre Van Ruyskensvelde was not born in this area but he belongs to the wine industry and has been director of the Institut Français de la Vigne et du Vin since 2008. He and his wife Marie-Christine formulated their first 2011 cuvée on a small parcel of syrah. A red IGP Saint-Guilhem le Désert is redolent of seductive red fruit aromas. Visit upon reservation.

Domaine Régis Descotes. Régis Descotes perpétue la tradition familiale du domaine né en 1689 à Millery. Se tournant aujourd’hui vers une agriculture biologique, ses vins se veulent un parfait équilibre entre tradition et modernité. Les cuvées du domaine d’appellation « Côteau du Lyonnais », se déclinent en rouge, en blanc et en rosé. Vinification en cuve et mise en bouteille à la sortie de l’hiver afin d’obtenir des vins frais et fruités. 16 avenue du Sentier, 69390 Millery. +33(0)4 78 46 18 77. www.regisdescotes.com

Domaine Belluard.The orchard to vineyard ... Dominique Belluard, comes from a family of fruit farmers. While he decided to forge by pursing viticulture, Dominique did inherit his families passionate work ethic and consequently today he operates oldest vineyards in the Alps. The 10 hectare domaine produces their wine from a single, regional grape, gringet, which they cultivate using biodynamic farming methods. Their AOC Vin de Savoie 2009 vintage is powerful yet refreshing, with notes of white fruits and spices. Visits and tastings by appointment. www.domainebelluard.fr

Jérôme Rateau, called “Le Champenois”, is a newcomer and an independent viticulturist. He settled in this Hérault village in 1995 and operates a continuous block of 15 hectares with the five varieties of the AOP Faugères vintage. Cuvées - to be discovered - are spiced, full-bodied, constructed in red and rosé. Do not hesitate to go in to meet Jérôme - unless he is among his vines...

Leoness. An inviting winery with a large tasting room and beautiful grounds often used for weddings. Advance booking for tours allow walking in the vineyard and enjoying 6 tastings along the way including in the cellar. The handpicked grapes go along with sustainable practices, such as planting barley between rows to prevent erosion and releasing wasps which limit the proliferation of destroying bugs. Tasty 2009 Syrah. 38311 De Portola Rd, Tel.: + 1 951 302-7601, www.leonesscellars.com

Vignoble La Nature des Choses, Domaine François de Ligneris. François vigneron aubergiste est une des figures marquantes de Saint Emillion. Une référence. Il tient la bonne auberge « L’Envers du Décor » et possède un petit domaine viticole de 8 hectares en cépage merlot et appellation Bordeaux. Afin de privilégier la qualité sur la quantité François de Ligneris a volontairement réduit la surface du domaine pour ne garder que les meilleures parcelles au plus près de son lieu de vie. Il a également choisi de limiter la surface de vigne afin de faire un travail très soigné en certification bio. Pour la première fois, cette année, François va mettre son vin de la récolte 2010 La Nature des Choses en bouteilles avec l'appellation Bordeaux agrémentée de la mention bio et de son engagement R.E.S.P.E.C.T (Répertoire Elémentaire de Simples Pratiques Environnementales, Culturelle et Techniques). On peut goûter et acheter son vin à son restaurant et à la boutique 11 rue du Clocher Saint-Emilion. Tel.: 05 57 24 91 62. www.magazinvin.com

Florian Beck-Hartweg Estate. A young wine grower who stands by the Tyflo association, strong of his convictions on the management of his vineyard. An integrated wine growing process following methods that go beyond the Terra Vitis model. Protective hedges, grass growing in between the rows, manual harvesting and pressing of whole grains.. Nature is left to run its course so the wine can express itself without interference. Five and a half hectares of plots on a granite soil with a Grand Cru taking up 25% of production. All seven grape varieties are represented on his estate and the wines are sound and express themselves naturally. « Welcome to the farm » ! An independent wine grower, if Florian isn’t out among the vines, you’ll find him welcoming you humbly to his farm to take you round the vineyard and taste his authentic wines. 5 rue Clemenceau, 67650 Dambach-la-Ville Tel : +33 6 37 88 47 43 www.beckhartweg.free.fr

Rémy Gresser Estate. Rémy Gresser is the chair of the CIVA, the Interprofessional body for Alscace winemakers. Rémy, as demonstrated by his work on the estate certified organic by Ecocert, advises and promotes wine tourism and biodynamic cultivation methods. Tourists visiting the Alsace can see this through the perfect pairing of local dishes with naturally produced wines. The Domaine Gresser 2009 blend in pinot gris, the former “Tokay” appellation now the preserve of Hungarian wines, is an honest and elegant wine which unveils all the savours of the dishes elegantly. 2 rue de l'école, 67140 Andlau. www.gresser.fr

Domaine Albert Mann. The estate was awarded the distinction of «Winegrowe of the year 2012» by the magazine «Revue du Vin de France». One must agree that the Mann quatuor: Marie Thérèse, Jacky, Marie-Claire and Maurice, are full of talent and know-how. The vineyard holds the organic certification from Ecocert since 2000. More work, more things to worry about but nothing that would stop them, the results speak for themselves. The 21 hectares are separated into small islands, over five Grand Crus, two villages and an enclosed vineyard. The Clos de la Faille sits on shingle of rosy, yellow and gray sandstones, which provides great ground for pinot noir and gives the wine character.

Small innovation and revolution, since the 2004 vintage, screw tops are used for the Vins de Tradition range. Fruity wines that are ready to drink within four to five years. Each vintage has a new label illustrated by François Bruetschy, an artist painter who translates the identity of the estate’s wines in a poetic manner. 13 rue du Château 68920 Wettolsheim - France. www.albertmann.com

Les Caves Jean Becker. En dépit de tous les aléas historiques qui ont bouleversé la région, les Caves Jean Becker ont su innover pour traverser les époques avec brio. Aujourd’hui, la fratrie Becker (Jean-Philippe, Jean-François et Martine), 13e génération, a décidé d’orienter le domaine vers une culture biologique. Possibilité de découvrir le vignoble en vélo ou en 2CV. 4, route d'Ostheim, Zellenberg, 68340 Riquewihr. Tel. : 03.89.47.90.16. www.vinsbecker.com

Domain Paul-Henri Thillardon. A young wine grower with traditional know-how, Paul-Henri is widely travelled, has instructed himself in the history of lands and their soil and in sustainable wine growing techniques. With six hectares of vines exploited under the Ecocer Label, he produces about ten vintages and that is not all! He is planning a new plantation of Chiroubles, white of the Vionnié grape variety, some Chénas and Beaujolais red and rosé from the vines on the “Pierres Dorées”. His star wines: the Réserve Blémonte in AOC Chenin and the Rosé des Rosés in Beaujolais. A rising star who also belongs to the Young wine growers of Europe association. Visits by appointment. Tel.: +33 (0)6 07 76 00 91

Château Fonroque. The Château has been the cradle of the Moueix family since 1931. Their charming Girondine property is devoted to wine making. The last in line, Alain Moueix, a trained wine engineer, has brought his experience to the table and put his mark firmly on the estate. Alain transitioned to organic culture in 2002 and cultivates his 17 hectares with organic and bio-dynamic certified methods. An entire way of life. His cultivation takes into account the soil, water, as well as the sun and moon cycles. Everything is natural and follows the “Demeter” principles; Alain uses cow’s horn and cow manure as well as silica and camomile, yarrow root and nettle boiled infusions for the soil. The respectful management of each plot enables him to get the best out of them and brings a different balance to the wine. A pure wine produced by a purist. The 2008 vintage Grand Cru Classé Château Fonroque is a profound and deep Saint-Émilion wine with notes of golden tobacco, fruits and flowers, with a great aromatic purity and lots of freshness on the palate. Visits by appointment from Monday to Friday. The château also boasts a guest house full of character in the middle of the vines, the Maison d’Adèle. Tel.: +33 5 57 24 60 22 www.chateaufonroque.com

Vincent Lacoste's Château de Cranne and Château Venus. These two young wine growers have vineyards on either side of the Garonne. Their strong commitment to the promotion of the wines from their châteaux, fine AOC Loupiac and Graves following organic standards, is illustrated with a bridge that links both sides of the River. An initiative to follow. www.loupiac-primeur.fr

Château Le Queyroux. The estate belongs to Léandre Chevalier, a craftsman-winemaker and gardener who defines himself as the “man Horse”, the literal translation of his name. With his grandparents who were winemakers, carters, tree cultivators, Léandre’s destiny was all written. In 1999, he owns three hectares of vineyards and keeps one hectare to cultivate following ancient methods in a spirit of duty towards the companions of the tour of France, ploughing with work horses, respecting the land, using cement casks. An artist, he started planting his vines in circles in 2006 with petit verdot vine plants to produce proper wine for the future. Léandre thus joins the group of next generation winemakers. A whole range of fruity and mineral Bordeaux wines, the L Q Y AOC Blaye Côtes de Bordeaux produced with half merlot noir and half cabernet sauvignon grapes, remains fruity and full of freshness. The C Que du Bonheur is vinified as whole grapes that are very ripe and undergo traditional treading. The Eighth Marvel, elaborated with the finest merlot noir, cabernet sauvignon and some petit verdot grapes, is marked by fine and elegant tannins. Typical for the Gironde region, the large nineteenth century family residence, with a garden and pool, offers two guest rooms. www.lhommecheval.com

Château Magneau. Situated in the heart of Graves country, this old property has been run by a long line of wine makers since the time of Henry IV. The Ardurats family in its entirety splits the work on the vines, the vinification and the reception between them. The 40 hectares of vines are cultivated in accordance to the ‘Terra Vitis’ principles, and this at each stage of the wine production. The Julien Blanc blend is half sauvignon, half sémillon, with aromas of peach, exotic fruit, a fat and lively wine, shortlisted by the Hachette Wine Guide. The 2006 vintage won Gold in the Terra Vitis awards. The wine stores are open to the public from Monday to Friday and by appointment. Tel.: +33 5 56 20 20 57 www.chateau-magneau.com

Château Franc Pourret. François Ouzoulias has been representing the third generation of a family of wine traders originally from the Corrèze that had come down to the Libourne region, since 1989. François cultivates his vineyards under the Ecocert certification and continue to mature his wine in cement tanks as it used to be done in the olden days. The wine grower lets his land lie fallow, uses sustainable agriculture methods and ploughs his fields with cart horses. The wine is Saint-Émilion and Saint-Émilion Grand Cru “Good and Organic”. Château Franc Pouret takes part in Saint-Émilion’s “organic Thursdays”. This wine tourism initiative takes place once a month and offers tourists the opportunity to take a walk around and enjoy a picnic in the vineyards, meet the organic wine makers and discover their wines. Visit of the estate, the small Vine and Wine museum and tastings by appointment. www.ouzoulias-vins.com

Château Dudon. Since the beginning of the twentieth century, the château, a large charter house with eighteenth century wine stores, has been handed down from mother to daughter and wife. Julia, Marthe, Renée, Jacqueline and now Evelyne Allien, who is at the head of the 11 hectare estate. For over 250 years, the vineyard has been walled in and no weed killer has ever been used.  Evelyne’s wine is produces from organic grapes certified “Ecocert”, as she follows the same natural and ecological ancestral methods. Château Dudon is a fine wine a Sauternes and the Le Galllien is a Grand Vin de Sauterne. The 2008 vintage has a golden, transparent robe, with floral and fruity tones, which is confirmed in the mouth by a hint of pineapple. Visits every day and also oenological weekends. Tel.: +33 5 56 27 29 38 www.chateau-dudon.fr

Domaine Chevrot. The estate has been converting to organic farming since 2008. The brothers Pablo and Vincent, take pride in working their vines respectfully and maturing their wine in oak casks. They have a range of 15 certified wines spread over their 20 hectares of vineyards. The 2009 Marange vintage, on the Oak, intense and fruity was awarded a Gold Medal. The white Santenay wine from mono-varietal chardonnay grapes, a silky wine, with a slight aniseed aroma and a taste of exotic fruit. Tasting takes place in the eighteenth century vaulted cellar. www.chevrot.fr

Domaine Nicolas Maillet. Nicolas is a young, enthusiastic wine maker who respects his land and vineyards. He has six hectares planted in Chardonnay and a smidgen of Aligoté, an acidy blend, which many have long since abandoned, although interesting in small quantities as a wine for your friends. In chalky soil, which gives fine wines, he uses no weed killer and hand picks his harvest, maturing his wine in vats. The result is a small production of very pure Mâcon-Villages, Mâcon Verzé… and a blend “Sourire d’Automne” (Autumn Smile), a sweet wine which he produces from a late harvest. Tel.: +33 3 85 33 46 76 /+33 6 89 64 49 92

They practically abandoned their profession of dental surgeon in to take root in Vauvert, in Petite Camargue. Nadine and Fernand Renouard are “new generation” wine growers. With a new vision, they launch an agro-forestry project in this viticultural domain of their own creation. A novelty? No, rather a return to a tradition that goes back to antiquity, when vines share space with olive tree, truffle oaks and fruit-bearing trees. Edouard Sentex, master winemaker, confirms that tree and vine in osmosis rebalance the ecological system to finally create a good, a very good wine. Hedges are replanted, areas are fallowed or planted with fodder crops . The contemporary winemaking plant, and spacious tasting room, is teamed on the surface with a water pond that acts as thermal pad with the cellar. Giono would not have disowned this domain. Visit and tasting upon reservation.

Domaine des Huards. A good household, a vocation for wine, which exists since 1846 and a biodynamic vineyard to discover the AOC Cheverny and Cour Cheverny and an address not to be missed to taste their François I vintage made with some Romorantin. A rare and ancient vine, which was introduced by the King. Exclusive to them is the Cheverny Rouge “Jean François Deniau” vintage, grown from a vineyard belonging to Grégoire, the son of the late writer, minister and member of the Académie française. www.domainedeshuards.com

Domaine de Terrebrune. This exceptional estate, with its world-renowned vintages of the greatest aromatic finesse, spreads across 30 hectares of vines, split over terraces that overlook the Mediterranean Sea. A site of great beauty, it seduced Georges Delille in 1963 who then bought a small farm surrounded by centennial olive trees, an overgrown vineyard and multicolour flowers. After 10 years of restructuring, his son, Reynald, having completed his oenology studies, came to help him.

Organically certified, the estate is tended to with the greatest respect: manual harvesting, manual ploughing, hoeing, etc. In some places, the earth is a red ochre, from the iron oxide, that give the estate’s wines a unique character. 724, Chemin de la Tourelle, 83190 Ollioules; Tel.: +33 4 94 74 01 30. www.terrebrune.fr

Domaine Château Léoube. The majestic row of palm trees is the perfect introduction to this exceptional estate – as much as by its wines than the harmonious landscape. Hillsides covered in vines and olive groves design a puzzle framed by the sea, magical and glimmering on this side of the coast, the chiselled outline of the golden islands on the horizon. The wine tasting vault, immaculate and contemporary, does not do justice to the elegant surroundings. Bought in 1998 by a rich English industrial, Sir Anthony Bamford, this small paradise on earth stretches over 560 hectares, of which 62 hectares are cultivated vines and 20 hectares olive trees. The plots have been completely restructured, the production completely modernised and the vintages are organically certified with the AB label, with some biodynamic principles as well. A spirit that matches that of the owner’s farms and organic stores “Daylesford Organic”. (www.daylesfordorganic.com). 2387 Route de Léoube, 83 230 Bormes-les-Mimosas . Tel.: 04 94 64 80 03.  www.chateauleoube.com

Domaine Bertaud-Belieu. It is probably here that you’ll find the first vines endemic of Saint-Tropez. Back in 1340 the ruler of Berthaux, Lord Gassin, owned the entire peninsula... A fresh wind that is now blowing over the estate and a young motivated team that took over 5 years ago. Its history is mirrored by its cellar: on the outside, one would think its columns date from the Antiquity... but on the inside, you’ll notice that it is in fact a modern warehouse sitting on the estate’s vintage with professionalism! The other noteworthy detail is that the estate offers bottles in varying sizes. One recites their names as you would a poem: Magnum (1,5 L), Jeroboam (3 L), Rehoboam (4,5 L), Mathusalem (6L), Salmanazar (9L), Balthazar (12L) and Nabuchodonosor (15L)! A nice tapas bar project should soon become a reality. Route de Ramatuelle, 635 RD 61, 83580 Gassin; Tel.: +33 4 94 56 16 83. www.bertaud-belieu.com.

Jaume Estate. "Vinea Natura" the environmental charter to protect the harmony between wine and the natural space is adhered to like the bible at the Jaume estate. 80 hectares of vineyards producing Vinsobres appelation wine, for which Pascal and Richard Jaume vinify the grapes from each plot individually in order to preserve the distinctiveness of the different soils. They use methods such as mating disruption, botanical companionship with game, earthworms and leguminous plants in the vineyards. The Altitude 420 blend reveals the great finesses of the tannins and emphasises the red fruits nicely. The Clos des Echalas, 2009 vintage, with aromas of vanilla, was awarded the Hachette Wine Guide “coup de Coeur” in 2012. A great idea for city-dwellers with dreams of becoming a wine grower, you can rent a vine plant for the year and follow its wine. An estate with the accolade “excellent welcome” by Inter-Rhône. www.domainejaume.com

Rouge Garance Estate. Discreet but passionate, Claudie and Bertrand Cortellini along with the actor Jean-Louis Trintignant, bought a small vineyard of 29 hectares.  The vines are cultivated following organic methods. The view from the estate over the antique Pont du Gard is remarkable, which makes tastings their wines only more enjoyable, a range of Garance, Little Garance and Feuille de Garance blends. Tel.: +33 4 66 37 06 92. 30210 Saint-Hilaire d’Ozilhan. www.rougegarance.com

Domaine Viret.Cosmoculture and amphora wines? Both seem to herald from the oldest of times! Next generation wine growers, Alain and Philippe Viret look to the past to better anchor themselves in the future. “Wine is a living product, with a memory, that follows natural cycles and undergoes their influences”. Cosmoculture, a method developed in the 1990s to alleviate this, has now caught up with the fundamental principles of organic and biodynamic culture associated with bioenergy. The new cellar dug out of the Gard stone helps them produce even better wines. Wines that are real and straight and that Alain and Philippe do not hesitate to introduce into amphora for some. The clay amphoras were especially made for the estate by an artisan potter. In the long term, their dream is to build the first amphora wine store in France. The amphora Dolia Paradis 2009 blend can be found in red, amber and “terre de Grenache”. Each blend has its own story, wines to share and meet people and you can find them at the estate on the hills of the Clos du Paradis.www.domaine-viret.com

La Roubine estate. The estate was born in 2000 with its first vintage produced by Eric and Sylvie Ughetto that retrained with great passion as winemakers. A small 15 hectare estate, small quantities but great quality. Eric cultivates his vineyard with cultural practices, indigenous yeasts, 14 month maturation in part within cement vats with no splicing or filtration. Gigondas, Vacqueyras as well as AOC Côtes-du Rhône in rich Sablet and Séguret, particularly interesting to discover. Tel: 04 90 65 80 76 www.domainelaroubine.com

Clos des Mourres estate. Winemaking is a real reconversion for Jean-Philippe Bouchet. An occupation he practices with conviction and passion. No chemical fertiliser, only natural preparations to look after his 16 hectares of vines of the Cairanne mountain. Planted with tradional grape varieties such as carignan and clairette blanche, the vineyard currently only produces red Cairanne and Côtes-du-Rhône Village wines. A very promising first vintage in 2009 that has been lauded by experts. Some good references. Visits and tastings by appointment. Tel.: 06 74 65 98 32. www.closdesmourres.fr

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Amphores estate. After the farm and the animals, in come the vines. Philippe and Véronique Grenier took over the family estate in 1994. The 8 hectares are organically grown and labelled Ecocert since 2002. They mainly produce Saint-Joseph and Condrieu wine. The Saint-Joseph, Les Mésanges, remains the estate’s best but it would be a pity not to taste their Vin de Pays from the Rhodanian hills. The Iris Blancs and the Détours are particularly interesting in terms of value for money. Tastings and sales at the cellar and at the Ferme du Pilat. Tel.: 04 74 87 65 32

Farjon Estate. In 1989, Thierry Farjon swapped his chef’s hat for his grandfather’s fallow land on which he plants vines. The winegrower’s apron suits him well and he likes to work on the grape produce. From 2500 square metres, he’ll grow the estate to cover 8 hectares in the area of Malleval and produces his first vintage in 1992. Thierry also grows vines on the Rhodanian hills to produce a Vin de Pays in viognier and syrah and complete his affordable range in the three colours. The Saint-Joseph in red, Ma Selection, is exceptional. Book for tastings, walks in the vineyards and meals served in the winery. Tel.: 04 74 87 16 84

Andrea Calek. Ce domaine de 5 hectares est dirigé avec ferveur et passion par l’original Andréa Calek. Le vigneron questionne les traditions, il pratique la vinification sans soufre et ses vins bios sont certifiés ECOCERT. Il se spécialise dans les cépages de syrah, carignan, grenache, viognier et chardonnay. Le résultat est riche en sensation ! Le village 07400 Valvignères. Tel.: 06 79 71 25 72.

Gonon Estate.Planted on the granite hillsides of Mauve, the 10 hectares of vineyards on the estate are worked on in the most natural way possible. The ploughing is done with a horse that comes to work in the vines, without any weed killers or pesticides. Without any claim of organic certification, Jean and Pierre Gonon sculpt their vines and design their wines as art. An estate full of promise in Saint-Joseph appellation that offers a tasty, dense and straight wine. Visits by appointment. Tel : 04 75 08 45 27.

Domaine de Méjane.The origins of the Domaine date back to 1793, but it wasn't until 2000 that Henriquet family took control of the vineyard. The family renovated the large house and added a high-tech cellar. Winemaker Anne Bellemin Laponnaz tends to their 14 hectares of land with the Roussette variety in mind. The resulting white wine is pale gold in color with spicy aromas of thyme and honey.www.domaine-de-mejane.com

Domaine de Vens. Domaine de Vens was created in 2002 with the goal of producing upscale, biodynamic wines of Savoie. DVH wines are made based on the "Garage Wines" principal, a concept that was developed in France and the United States under the practices of sustainable development. Their 2012 vintage, which is 100% black Mondeuse, is a powerful and structured red wine with aromas of fresh, black fruit and spice. The domaine recently started the tradition of hosting an annual tasting and sales event in Seyssel. Tel 04 50 48 42 38 www.domainedevens.com

Domaine Renardat Fache. Alain Renardat-Fâche and his son Elie are the fifth and sixth generations of their family to produce the Bugey region's star wine, Cerdon, a semi-dry, pink sparkling Méthode Ancestral wine. Renardat's Cerdon has a delicate nose with hints of raspberries and makes a delicious aperitif or dessert wine. The domaine, set on 12 hectares of land, is planted with Gamay (70%) and Poulsard (30%)...Tour and tasting by appointment. Tel : 04 74 39 97 19 www.alain-renardat-fache.com

Domaine Lacapelle Cabanac. A very nice château with organic and biodynamic wines, sustainable viticulture, green harvesting, a return to ploughing, hand picking... An impeccable track record for Thierry Simon’s Cahors wine. Tel.: +33 (0)5 65 36 51 92 www.lacapelle-cabanac.com

Clos Lapeyre. An agricultural concern that has produced red fruit and grapes for the cooperative over the last three generations. When Jean-Bernard Larrieu succeeded his father on the estate, he built a wine store and then vinified, produced and bottled his first wine in 1985. The estate now encompasses ten hectares and was certified organic in 2005. A vineyard that is planted on the “Poudingues of Jurançon”: a stony land rich in siliceous gravel. The Vitatge Vieil Jurançon blend from very old vines make a wine that is smooth, open and fatty with tastier notes of fruit. The Mantoulan, the first vintage of which dates from 2006, is a very straight wine with a clear colour and a great purity, a mark of the Occitan cultivation methods. Visits of the wine store and the vine museum, and tastings of the wine and local produce. “The Jurançonada”: Jean-Bernard has created a walking tour among the vineyards accompanied by a small poetic guide book to go and discover the land and its wine growers. By appointment. www.jurancon-lapeyre.fr

Domaine des Savarines. An Ecocert certified organic wine from sustainable viticulture. Located in the Quercy Blanc, the estate, founded in 1970 by Danièle Biesbrouck, a wine maker, stretches over four hectares and was recently taken over by Eric Treuillé, a native of Cahors, and his English wife. The beautiful but discreet wine store, with its tasting room provides the perfect setting for the rigorous composition of the vintage, a blend made up of 80% malbec and 20% merlot grapes. Tel.: +33 (0)5 65 22 33 67www.domainedessavarines.com

Château Gaudou. Fabrice, the last descendant of the Durou family, inherited 35 hectares of gently sloping Graves and clay on the third terraces of the Lot valley. Through a tradition bedded in modernism and the mastering of the vine’s vegetative cycle, he has crafted an exceptional vintage. Fabrice embodies the rebirth of the Château Gaudou label. The Réserve Caillau cuvée 100% Malbec, its premier wine, is very carefully handled, a fine wine for laying down, with silky tannins and smoky liquorice notes. For the record, Fabrice offered and planted some vines within the setting of the Bretonneau hospital in Paris, showcasing the therapeutic benefits of working the vines. www.chateaudegaudou.com

Domaine Peyres Roses. Astrid et Olivier Bonnafond sont les premiers d’une nouvelle génération de vignerons. Installés au Domaine de Peyres Roses depuis 2000 Olivier est maître de chai, chef de culture et œnologue, Astrid quand elle n’est pas sur le tracteur ou dans les vignes s’occupe du bureau et de ses quatre garçons. Sur 15 hectares les parcelles de vignes s’intercalent avec les prairies mellifères, chênes truffiers et haies et les sols sont travaillés par la jument Pompon. L’agriculture biologique est un credo au domaine. Parmi toutes les cuvées proposées en AOC Gaillac quatre portent le prénom de leurs garçons Arnaud, Louis, Antoine et Charles. Un bel avenir pour Peyres Roses en perspective ! www.domaine-peyresroses.com

Egia Tegia Estate. Emmanuel Poirmeur doesn’t respect any norms, he cannot be categorized yet is full of class. A surprising trajectory for this elitist young man, oenologist, scientist, who having spent time with the best, recognised by his peers, trained with Moet and Chandon and in Argentina, decided to take the leap and to mix the future of wine and the sea. The example of the elders perhaps? The Roman amphorae that sank in the sea were well preserved. Emmanuel had poured a lot of thought into this and evaluated all the parameters for the immersion of wine barrels in the waters of the port of Socoa with the tides of the sea. Working with and around the fishermen, some more supportive than others, his project saw the light of day. His vineyards, planted almost only with Chardonnay grapes, on the hills of the district of Urrugne, dominates the coast and flourishes from the sea spray. Traces of old vineyards remain on the Basque coast. Emmanuel is planting new ones. The site for his wine store is none other than the old gunpowder building in the port of Socoa that dates from the XVIIth century. For the vinification process, his barrels made from cement are submerged off the coast at 12 metre depths. Absolutely exceptional, unprecedented, producing a white wine full of youth and promise that will soon be a reference. The first vines planted in 2009 produced the Egia Tegia (Workshop of Truth) blend in 2011. An exemplary vintage that produces a well honed wine with light bubbles, full of aromas and citrus fruit. Visits by appointment. contact@egiategia.com

Clos Saint-Thomas. A very old name, well known in the Lebanese vineyard circle but that, until recently, specialised solely in the Arak: a specialty that goes back to 1888 and to which the Touma family added grape plant varieties in 1990. A decade later, the Clos Saint-Thomas wines made their appearance and reaped some great prizes in Brussels, Paris and in other places. To be pointed out from the list: the Gourmet Blanc 2006, a blend of chardonnay and sauvignon blanc and the Emirs 2003 and 2004 blends, with cabernet sauvignon, syrah and grenache, aged for 12 months in oak barrels. During your visit of the cellars, do not miss out on the discovery cave that was recently refurbished and is now entirely dedicated to Saint-Thomas! Clos Saint-Thomas, Kab-Elias, Main Road, Bekaa, Lebanon -Tel.: +961 8 500 812, www.closstthomas.com

Le Château Ka. The Château Ka could have been one of the oldest vineyards of the Bekaa valley today had history not decided otherwise. After a first production in 1974, the Kassalty brothers had to wait a few years to make a name for themselves...in both alcoholic and non-alcoholic “mixes”. Once their business was well established in Lebanon and throughout the Middle-East, the brothers remained determined to pursue their initial intention, and in 2005 restarted their winegrowing activities. To this day, the “Chateau Ka” label represents 70 hectares of land in the Baalbek region, 500 000 bottles and seven wines (three whites, 3 reds and a rosé). We recommend you try the 2007 Source de Rouge, a blend of cabernet sauvignon, merlot and syrah, a wine that is fruity, spicy and round on the palate. Château Ka, Chtaura Bekaa Valley, Cheberkieh Road, Kassatly Properties, Tel.: +961 1 899 888, www.chateauka.com

Atibaia. In a rustic setting, a perfectly arranged collection of classic design pieces with a modern twist, Atibaia is just on the edge of a marvellous place, where you can admire the view over the region’s hilly landscape. A brand new addition, the Atibaia vineyard itself isn’t actually that new. Its first owner, Jean Massoud, who owned a few other vines in the Batroun region, would produce wine for his own pleasure and that of his close friends and family. Caught up in his own game, the idea to start commercialising his wine came to him one day and he saw his first bottles come out in late 2011: a cabernet, a syrah and a cabernet and syrah blend. Full of promise as they hit the market. He has also just put the final touches on some beautifully designed guest rooms that you will just love. Atibaia, Coteaux de Batroun, Batroun.