Translation missing: en.Domaine du Collier + Domaine de Trévallon + Burlotto + Claus Preisinger Tasting Sat 14th September 3pm-6pm: Domaine du Collier + Domaine de Trévallon + Burlotto + Claus Preisinger Tasting Sat 14th September 3pm-6pm
Domaine du Collier
Antoine Foucault and his partner Caroline established Domaine du Collier in 1999 after purchasing 4 hectares of land in the commune of Brézé in the best lieu-dit of ‘La Ripaille’. Antoine is the son of Charly Foucault and nephew of Nady Foucault - the 2 brothers behind the legendary Clos Rougeard which is easily the most respected estate in Loire. Antoine worked for his father and uncle at Clos Rougeard for 4 years before going his own way with this Domaine, and brings the same knowledge and skill required to make the world's best Chenin Blanc and Cabernet Franc to Collier.
Antoine works his vineyards organically, without the use of any chemical treatments or weed killers. The soils are worked to allow the long roots of these old vines to dig deep into the chalky tuffeau. The estate harvests everything by hand, implementing a strict sorting regime to ensure that only the best grapes make the cut into the wine. A natural approach is carried into the cellar with a commitment to wild yeast fermentation, extended ageing of 24 to 36 months without racking in a very cold underground cellar (the same cellar that Clos Rougeard use), and zero sulfur until bottling. All of these are important factors that contribute to producing ethereal Chenin and Cabernet Franc with power, delicacy, minerality and finesse, capable of developing for decades in the cellar.
We've just received our allocation of the 2020 vintage and have some past vintages as well to offer. Of Antoine's whites, we have the 2020 'Saumur Blanc' and the 'La Charpentrie Saumur' which are both sensational, the latter coming from vines over 100 years old producing a more concentrated and powerful wine. From the 2020 reds, we have the 'Saumur-Champigny Rouge' and 'La Ripaille'. We have a couple of past vintages too: the '19 'La Ripaille' and both the '19 and '14 'La Charpentrie'. Fans of Clos Rougeard or those that haven't had the chance to try them should not hesitate to try these wines, made by the son of one of the Foucault brothers behind their success.Domaine de Trévallon
Domaine de Trévallon is situated in the village of Saint-Etienne-du-Grès, just a short distance from Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, on the north side of the Alpilles. The old farmhouse of the estate in the countryside is surrounded by 13 hectares of dry limestone terrain, perfect for viticulture. In 1973 Eloi Dürrbach planted his first vineyard in the Alpilles - now 15 hectares are planted to red grapes; roughly equal amounts of Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah, and about 2 hectares to white grapes, mainly Marsanne and Roussane.
Eloi was already told by his father at a young age that the estate would become a great place to make wine. Eloi listened to both his father and the chalk-white limestone soils of the estate and planted Cabernet Sauvignon which was a rarity outside of Bordeaux at the time. Here in Alpilles, Cabernet takes on more spicy notes of cinnamon and pepper with tannins that are mellowed out with late-harvest Syrah. The wines quickly became noticed by all the best sommeliers across France. In 1985, the AOC Les Baux-de-Provence was created, but in 1991 they altered the regulations so that Cabernet could not make up more than 20% of the blend. Instead of kneeling to the pressure of changing production so that he can put an AOC on his label, Eloi stuck to his guns, knowing that Cabernet was the king of his estate and declassified the wine to a 'Vin de Pays'. Eloi kept grinding at his craft and has garnered a cult-like following of fans around the world that flock to the opportunity to taste these distinctive wines. The elevation of the vineyard tempers the Provencal heat, and the cool climate helps create fresh, bright wines boasting high acidity and a floral streak, with Cabernet Sauvignon providing structure and firm texture.
We've just received our newest shipment of these mythical wines. We have a single bottle of their 2022 Blanc - a rich blend of 66% Marsanne, 10% Roussanne, 9% Grenache Blanc, 8% Chardonnay, 6% Clairette and 1% Muscat a Petit Grains. We have 5 bottles of the '21 Rouge and 2 of the 2012 - an excellent chance to see how this wine ages. We also have 2 magnums of the '21 and a magnum of the 2020 remaining too. These are some exceptional and distinctive wines that should be sought out by anyone that loves unique wines full of character.Burlotto
Burlotto was established in 1850 by Giovan Battista Burlotto in the village of Verduno, Barolo. Burlotto was an official supplier to the Royal House of Savoy and quickly received acclaim for his wines from both sides of the Atlantic. Today the reins of the estate are in the hands of Marina, her husband Giuseppe Alessandria and their children who represent the fourth and fifth generation at the helm of the historic estate.
"We inherit from the past the value of tradition that has always distinguished our work; knowing how to interpret and enhance the circumstances that the season, the vineyard and the vintage offer us. This is how our wine is born."
Burlotto are heavily inspired by tradition; however, they do not interpret this to mean rigidly following formulae or rules because the previous generations did. They interpret tradition to be dynamic - to elevate to the highest the uniqueness of each vine and each variety as they are influenced by their terroir and the season - in other words, honest craftsmanship. They believe the most important elements in the vineyard and cellar are patience and delicacy. This includes working everything by hand in the vineyard, sustainable viticulture, the use of large barrels and giving the wines the time they need to develop and reveal themselves in the cellar. The family vineyards now make up 16 hectares in total, distributed between 14 crus and 4 communes: Verduno, Barolo, Monforte d'Alba and Roddi.
We've just had our recent allocation of Burlotto arrive we adequate supply. We have a bit over a dozen of both of their '22 'Barbera d'Alba' and 'Aves Barbera d'Alba' - the latter only being produced in the best vintages from the oldest vines on the best vineyards. We have just under a dozen of the '22 'Langhe Nebbiolo' as well as a decent amount of the 2020 Barolo in both standard 750ml bottles and 375ml bottles. This is an iconic producer that should be on the horizons of all Barolo lovers!Claus Preisinger
This Saturday we'll have a couple bottles open from the eccentric Claus Preisinger of Austria. For those unfamiliar with Claus, he is a biodynamic producer nestled in the village of Gols by Lake Neusiedlersee in Burgenland. We'll have the '22 Puszta Libre' and the '22 'Blaufrankisch' on pour - both of which are excellent, unique light/medium-bodied reds made with indigenous Austrian grapes that are both fresh and spicy. See you there!
Wishing you a great week from the team: Chris, Pete and Aaron.