RHÔNE, PROVENCE & SOUTHERN FRANCE WINE PRODUCERS
From Hermitage legends to Corsican pioneers. 60+ producers defining southern France today.
This guide covers the sweep of southern France: the granite slopes of the northern Rhône, the sun-baked stones of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, the maritime vineyards of Provence and Corsica, the vast diversity of Languedoc-Roussillon, and the distinctive terroirs of Bordeaux and the Southwest. For context on how these fit into France's wine regions, see our regional guide.
NORTHERN RHÔNE
Thierry Allemand
Cornas | Cornas | Organic Principles
Thierry Allemand has achieved almost mythical status amongst Cornas devotees. His 4 hectares on the appellation's steepest slopes yield wines of extraordinary intensity and purity: benchmarks for what this rugged terroir can achieve.
His farming is essentially organic though uncertified. Winemaking is traditional: whole clusters, extended maceration, ageing in older barrels without new oak. The resulting wines are dark and powerful yet possess floral elegance belying their concentration.
The wines
Cornas Chaillot from younger plateau vines is already remarkable. Cornas Reynard from old vines on the steepest slopes is transcendent: one of France's greatest Syrahs, capable of decades of evolution.
Franck Balthazar
Cornas | Cornas | Certified Organic
Franck Balthazar's 3-hectare domaine represents artisanal Cornas winemaking at its essence. His granite slopes are farmed organically, yielding wines of remarkable intensity with a finesse distinguishing them from the appellation's sometimes rustic reputation.
His approach is traditional: whole-cluster fermentation, extended maceration, ageing in older barrels.
The wines
Cornas Chaillot from a specific granite plateau parcel shows characteristic power tempered by mineral freshness. Cuvée Casimir from older vines offers greater depth and complexity.
Pierre & Marie Bénétière
Condrieu | Condrieu | Organic Principles
The Bénétières' 3-hectare domaine has become a Condrieu reference, producing Viognier of unusual restraint and precision on steep granite slopes. Their approach emphasises freshness over the sometimes cloying richness marking lesser Condrieu.
Indigenous fermentations, ageing in older barrels, and early bottling preserve floral aromatics whilst maintaining acidity.
The wines
Standard Condrieu is always accomplished. Single-parcel bottlings including remarkable Côte Bonnette show what this appellation achieves when approached with rigour.
Mickaël Bourg
Ampuis | Côte-Rôtie | Certified Organic
Mickaël Bourg's tiny 2.5-hectare domaine in Ampuis, Côte-Rôtie's heart, has quickly established itself amongst appellation elite. Parcels spread across famous slopes are farmed organically and vinified with light touch.
The wines
Côte-Rôtie blended from multiple parcels shows characteristic elegance and perfume. Single-parcel bottlings, when produced, offer even greater precision and depth.
Jean-Louis Chave
Mauves | Hermitage | Certified Organic
The Chave domaine represents Hermitage at its most profound. The family has farmed here since 1481, and today Jean-Louis and his son maintain traditions refined over centuries.
Their 15 hectares span Hermitage's diverse terroirs: granite of Bessards, limestone of Méal, loess of Rocoules, alluvial terraces below. This diversity allows them to craft a single blended Hermitage transcending its components.
The wines
White Hermitage, primarily Marsanne with some Roussanne, is rich and honeyed in youth but develops extraordinary complexity with age. Red Hermitage from Syrah across multiple lieux-dits is powerful yet elegant, evolving for decades.
In exceptional vintages, Cuvée Cathelin, a selection of finest lots, stands amongst France's greatest wines.
JL Chave Sélection
Their négociant label offers more accessible wines from Crozes-Hermitage, Saint-Joseph, and Côtes du Rhône.
Clusel-Roch
Ampuis | Côte-Rôtie | Certified Organic
The Clusel-Roch domaine has been a Côte-Rôtie benchmark for decades. Gilbert Clusel and wife Brigitte Roch built the estate through patient acquisition of prime parcels; today son Guillaume continues their work.
Their 4 hectares include sites in both Côte Blonde and Côte Brune, the two sectors defining Côte-Rôtie's terroir. Farming is organic, winemaking traditional: whole clusters, extended maceration, ageing in older barrels.
The wines
Standard Côte-Rôtie blended from multiple parcels is consistently excellent. Single-parcel bottlings including Les Grandes Places from Côte Brune and La Viallière from Côte Blonde show even greater definition.
Dard & Ribo
Mercurol | Hermitage, Crozes-Hermitage, Saint-Joseph | Certified Biodynamic
René-Jean Dard and François Ribo's domaine has achieved cult status amongst natural wine enthusiasts, bottles disappearing almost instantly. Their 6 hectares across Saint-Joseph, Crozes-Hermitage, and Hermitage are farmed biodynamically and vinified without sulphur.
Results can be challenging, the no-sulphur approach yielding considerable bottle variation. But at best, they offer a window into what northern Rhône Syrah expresses with radical non-intervention.
The wines
Crozes-Hermitage and Saint-Joseph bottlings show bright, peppery fruit. Hermitage from a small hill parcel demonstrates greater concentration and complexity.
Jean & Pierre Gonon
Mauves | Saint-Joseph | Certified Organic
The Gonon brothers' domaine has become a Saint-Joseph reference, demonstrating what this sometimes uneven appellation achieves with serious viticulture and winemaking.
Their 9 hectares, all on steep granite slopes defining the best sites, are farmed organically. Cellar approach is traditional but precise: whole-cluster fermentation, extended maceration, ageing in older barrels.
The wines
White Saint-Joseph from Marsanne and Roussanne is rich and honeyed. Red Saint-Joseph Les Oliviers is consistently excellent. Vieilles Vignes from 1920s parcels ranks amongst the northern Rhône's finest Syrahs.
Domaine Jamet
Ampuis | Côte-Rôtie | Organic Principles
The Jamet domaine represents Côte-Rôtie at its most traditional. The family has farmed here since 1950; today brothers Jean-Paul and Jean-Luc maintain the estate with their children.
Their 9 hectares span both Côte Blonde and Côte Brune, providing material balancing power and elegance. Farming is essentially organic, winemaking traditional: whole clusters, extended maceration, ageing in older barrels with minimal new oak.
The wines
Standard Côte-Rôtie blended from multiple parcels is consistently amongst the appellation's finest. Côte Brune bottling in exceptional vintages shows even greater depth and structure.
Vignobles Levet
Ampuis | Côte-Rôtie | Certified Organic
The Levet family has farmed in Ampuis since the eighteenth century, their domaine passing through generations while Côte-Rôtie rose from obscurity to acclaim. Today Agnès Levet continues family tradition with 3 hectares on steep slopes.
Her approach is traditional: organic farming, whole-cluster fermentation, extended maceration, ageing in older barrels.
The wines
La Chavaroche from a steep Côte Brune parcel is particularly notable for depth and structure.
Domaine Lionnet
Cornas | Cornas | Certified Organic
Ludovic Lionnet's 4-hectare domaine represents a new generation's approach to this traditionally rustic appellation. Granite slopes are farmed organically and vinified with lighter touch than many neighbours.
The wines
Cornas shows characteristic power but with greater finesse and youthful accessibility. Cornas Terre Brûlée from a specific plateau parcel offers additional depth and complexity.
Domaine Aymeric Paillard
Chavanay | Saint-Joseph | Certified Organic
Aymeric Paillard's 3-hectare domaine in Chavanay has emerged as one of Saint-Joseph's exciting new addresses. Steep granite slopes are farmed organically and vinified with minimal intervention.
The wines
Saint-Joseph rouge from young vines is bright and peppery. Cuvée Aurélie from older vines shows greater concentration and structure.
Domaine Vincent Paris
Cornas | Cornas | Organic Principles
Vincent Paris's domaine has become one of Cornas's benchmarks, wines showing power and finesse in equal measure. His 10 hectares span various granite sites, providing material for both accessible and age-worthy bottlings.
His approach combines traditional winemaking with thoughtful innovation: whole-cluster for some cuvées, destemming for others, ageing in mixed barrels and larger vessels.
The wines
Cornas Granit 30 and Granit 60, named for their respective parcel gradients, show slope's influence on Syrah. La Geynale from the appellation's highest sites offers even greater elegance and perfume.
Maison Stéphan
Tupin-et-Semons | Côte-Rôtie | Certified Biodynamic
Jean-Michel Stéphan's domaine represents Côte-Rôtie at its most uncompromising. His 4 hectares on some of the appellation's steepest and most marginal slopes are farmed biodynamically and vinified without sulphur.
Results are not for the faint-hearted: wild, sometimes volatile, always intense. But at best, they glimpse what Côte-Rôtie might have tasted like before modern winemaking smoothed away rough edges.
The wines
Various lieu-dit bottlings including Coteaux de Tupin and Coteaux de Bassenon show how dramatically terroir varies across short distances.
Domaine Alain Voge
Cornas | Cornas | Organic Principles
The Voge domaine has been a Cornas pillar for generations. Alain Voge built its reputation through decades of meticulous work; since his retirement, the property has continued under new ownership whilst maintaining standards.
Their 10 hectares span diverse sites from granite plateau to steeper slopes below. Winemaking is traditional but precise: whole clusters, extended maceration, ageing in older barrels.
The wines
Cornas Les Chailles is bright and accessible. Cornas Vieilles Vignes and Cornas Les Vieilles Fontaines from oldest plantings show greater depth and structure.
Hervé Souhaut / Romaneaux-Destezet
Ardèche | Vin de France | Certified Organic
Hervé Souhaut's Ardèche domaine, just south of northern Rhône classified appellations, has become cult favourite. His 7 hectares on granite slopes yield wines rivalling famous neighbours at fraction of price.
His approach is minimal: organic farming, indigenous fermentations, ageing in older barrels, no sulphur. Results, labelled simply as Vin de France, show remarkable purity and precision.
The wines
Syrah bottlings including Souteronne and La Souteronne capture the variety's peppery elegance. Gamay from old vines is surprisingly serious. White from Viognier shows floral character without excessive weight.
Anders Frederik Steen
Ardèche | Vin de France | Organic Principles
Anders Frederik Steen's Ardèche project represents natural winemaking at its most experimental. The Danish-born vigneron farms a patchwork of regional parcels, crafting wines of wild individuality.
His approach eschews convention: mixed plantings, extended macerations, unusual vessels, no sulphur. Results are not for everyone but offer fascinating glimpses into wine's outer limits.
Éric Texier
Brézème | Brézème, Various | Organic Principles
Éric Texier's project has grown from négociant sideline into one of the Rhône's most interesting operations. Based in Brézème, the northernmost southern Rhône outpost, he sources fruit across the valley whilst cultivating own parcels.
His approach emphasises freshness and drinkability over power, welcome contrast to the region's sometimes overwrought wines. Brézème bottlings from this underrated appellation show what northern Rhône's marginal sites achieve.
SOUTHERN RHÔNE
Understanding how taste works helps explain why the galets roulés of Châteauneuf-du-Pape produce such distinctively warm, spiced Grenache expressions.
Domaine Charvin
Orange | Châteauneuf-du-Pape | Certified Organic
Laurent Charvin's domaine has become a Châteauneuf-du-Pape benchmark, wines showing appellation power whilst maintaining remarkable freshness and drinkability.
His 8 hectares, all on famous galets roulés (rolled stones) defining Châteauneuf's most prized sites, are farmed organically. Winemaking is traditional: whole-cluster fermentation, extended maceration, ageing in larger foudres.
The wines
Châteauneuf-du-Pape shows remarkable consistency, balancing power and elegance across challenging vintages. Côtes du Rhône from younger vines offers similar quality more accessibly.
Clos des Papes
Châteauneuf-du-Pape | Châteauneuf-du-Pape | Certified Organic
Paul-Vincent Avril's Clos des Papes represents Châteauneuf at its most classical. The family has farmed here since 1896, accumulating 35 hectares across eighteen parcels spanning diverse terroirs.
The approach is traditional but meticulous: multiple varieties in blend, whole-cluster fermentation, ageing in larger foudres and some barrels. Results are powerful but balanced with remarkable vintage consistency.
The wines
White Châteauneuf from six different varieties is equally accomplished.
Matthieu Dumarcher
Valréas | Vin de France | Certified Biodynamic
Matthieu Dumarcher's tiny 2-hectare domaine in Valréas, in the Enclave des Papes north of main southern Rhône, has achieved cult status for wines of remarkable purity.
His approach is radical: whole-cluster fermentation, extended maceration, ageing without sulphur. Results, labelled as Vin de France, show what Grenache achieves with minimal intervention.
Domaine Gramenon
Montbrison-sur-Lez | Côtes du Rhône | Certified Biodynamic
Michèle Aubéry-Laurent's Domaine Gramenon has become a southern Rhône natural winemaking reference. Her 26 Drôme hectares, farmed biodynamically, yield wines of remarkable purity and freshness.
Her approach emphasises drinkability over power: carbonic maceration for some cuvées, minimal extraction, ageing in larger vessels. Results show Grenache's potential for elegance rather than brute force.
The wines
Various cuvées from entry-level Poignée de Raisins to more serious Ceps Centenaires offer comprehensive tour of what southern Rhône achieves with thoughtful viticulture and minimal intervention.
L'Anglore
Tavel | Vin de France | Certified Biodynamic
Éric Pfifferling's L'Anglore has achieved legendary status amongst natural wine devotees. His 7 Tavel hectares, farmed biodynamically, yield some of France's most compelling natural wines.
His approach is radical: whole-cluster fermentation, extended maceration, ageing without sulphur. Results, labelled as Vin de France, show remarkable purity and complexity.
The wines
Tavel rosé transcends the appellation's typically simple wines. Red from old-vine Grenache is ethereal and perfumed. White from Clairette is equally compelling.
Château Rayas
Châteauneuf-du-Pape | Châteauneuf-du-Pape | Organic Principles
Château Rayas occupies a unique Châteauneuf position, wines unlike anything else in the appellation. Sandy soils and old-vine Grenache, planted without usual Mourvèdre and Syrah additions, yield wines of ethereal elegance.
Emmanuel Reynaud continues his uncle Jacques's tradition of eccentric brilliance. Farming is essentially organic, winemaking traditional: whole clusters, extended maceration, ageing in older barrels.
Results are polarising: some find them too light, too subtle. Others recognise them as the appellation's most profound expressions, evolving for decades.
Related wines
Pignan second wine and Côtes du Rhône property Château de Fonsalette offer more accessible Rayas introductions.
Les Frères Soulier
Mazan | Ventoux | Certified Organic
The Soulier brothers' 10-hectare domaine near Mazan has emerged as one of the southern Rhône's most exciting addresses, wines balancing concentration with freshness.
The wines
Ventoux bottlings show what this underrated appellation achieves with serious viticulture. Côtes du Rhône demonstrates similar quality even more accessibly.
Domaine du Vieux Télégraphe
Bédarrides | Châteauneuf-du-Pape | Organic Principles
The Brunier family's Vieux Télégraphe has been a Châteauneuf benchmark for generations. Their 70 hectares on La Crau's high plateau, covered with famous galets roulés, yield wines of remarkable consistency.
The approach is traditional but precise: multiple varieties in blend (Grenache-dominant with Mourvèdre, Syrah, others), whole-cluster fermentation, ageing in larger foudres. Results are powerful but balanced, evolving for decades.
The wines
Télégramme second wine offers more accessible introduction. White Châteauneuf from Clairette, Roussanne, and Grenache Blanc is equally accomplished.
PROVENCE
Clos Cibonne
Pradet | Côtes de Provence | Organic Principles
Clos Cibonne stands apart, wines crafted primarily from Tibouren, a rare variety found almost nowhere else. The Roux family has farmed here since 1797, maintaining traditions yielding distinctive character.
The wines
Rosé from Tibouren shows the variety's unusual colour and complex aromatics. White from Rolle is fresh and mineral. Red from Tibouren with Grenache and Syrah offers intriguing depth.
Domaine du Gros'Noré
La Cadière-d'Azur | Bandol | Certified Organic
Alain Pascal's domaine has become a Bandol benchmark, wines showing appellation power whilst maintaining remarkable freshness.
His 15 hectares, farmed organically, are predominantly Mourvèdre, the variety defining Bandol's finest wines. Approach is traditional: extended maceration and long ageing in larger foudres.
The wines
Bandol rouge shows appellation potential for depth and complexity. Rosé, serious and structured, transcends Provence's typically simple pinks.
Domaine Hauvette
Saint-Rémy-de-Provence | Les Baux-de-Provence | Certified Biodynamic
Dominique Hauvette's 17-hectare domaine has become a reference for what Provence achieves beyond rosé. Biodynamic farming yields wines of remarkable depth and complexity.
Her approach emphasises site expression over varietal character: rosé is serious and structured, whites show mineral intensity, reds demonstrate Provence can compete with more famous regions.
Château Pradeaux
Saint-Cyr-sur-Mer | Bandol | Organic Principles
Château Pradeaux represents Bandol at its most traditional. The Portalis family has farmed here since the eighteenth century, maintaining methods yielding wines of extraordinary depth and longevity.
The approach is uncompromising: predominantly Mourvèdre, extended maceration, ageing in older barrels for four years before release. Results are tannic and austere in youth but develop remarkable complexity with time.
Clos Sainte Magdeleine
Cassis | Cassis | Organic Principles
Clos Sainte Magdeleine's dramatic position, vines tumbling to the Mediterranean, makes it one of France's most scenic estates. The Sack-Zafiropulo family has farmed here since 1920, producing some of Cassis's finest wines.
The wines
White from Marsanne, Clairette, Ugni Blanc, and others captures distinctive maritime character. Rosé is fresh and mineral. Red from Mourvèdre and Grenache shows unexpected depth for this predominantly white-wine appellation.
Château Simone
Palette | Palette | Organic Principles
Château Simone is one of Provence's most historic properties, its 23 hectares in tiny Palette representing centuries of tradition. The Rougier family has owned the estate since 1830, maintaining traditional methods yielding wines unlike anything else regionally.
The wines
White from Clairette, Ugni Blanc, Grenache Blanc, and others is honeyed and complex. Rosé is structured and serious. Red from Grenache, Mourvèdre, and others shows remarkable depth and age-worthiness.
Domaine Tempier
Le Castellet | Bandol | Certified Organic
Domaine Tempier is synonymous with Bandol, wines having almost single-handedly established the appellation's international reputation. The Peyraud family has farmed here since 1834, championing Mourvèdre when deeply unfashionable.
Today Daniel Ravier continues this tradition across 37 hectares. Approach is traditional: organic farming, extended maceration, ageing in larger foudres.
The wines
Various single-parcel bottlings including La Tourtine, La Migoua, and Cabassaou offer a masterclass in Bandol terroir diversity.
CORSICA
Domaine Comte Abbatucci
Casalabriva | Vin de France | Certified Biodynamic
Jean-Charles Abbatucci's domaine has become one of Corsica's most fascinating estates, focusing on indigenous varieties as viticultural preservation as much as winemaking project.
His 20 biodynamic hectares include plantings of dozens of rare Corsican varieties that might otherwise disappear. Bottlings from Carcaghjolu Neru, Minustellu, Barbarossa, and others glimpse Corsica's viticultural heritage.
More conventional wines from Sciacarello and Vermentino are equally accomplished.
La Famille Arena
Patrimonio | Patrimonio | Certified Organic
Antoine Arena's domaine has long been Patrimonio's benchmark, demonstrating full appellation potential. Today sons Antoine-Marie and Jean-Baptiste continue his work across 12 hectares of prime vineyards.
The wines
Whites from Vermentino in various styles including famous Carco show the variety's range from fresh and mineral to rich and textured. Reds from Nielluccio demonstrate similar diversity.
Muscat du Cap Corse from rare Muscat Petits Grains is one of France's finest sweet wines.
Clos Canarelli
Figari | Corse Figari | Certified Biodynamic
Yves Canarelli's domaine at Corsica's southern tip has become the island's most celebrated estate. His 30 biodynamic hectares showcase indigenous varieties and thoughtful winemaking.
The wines
Whites from Vermentino are rich and mineral. Rosé is serious and structured. Reds from Sciacarello and Nielluccio show remarkable elegance and complexity.
Single-parcel bottlings including legendary Tariu demonstrate Corsican terroir at its finest.
Domaine Giacometti
Patrimonio | Patrimonio | Organic Principles
The Giacometti family has farmed in Patrimonio for generations, representing this northern Corsican appellation at its finest. Their 35 hectares, predominantly Nielluccio and Vermentino, yield consistently quality wines.
The wines
White Patrimonio from Vermentino is fresh and mineral. Red Patrimonio from Nielluccio shows characteristic structure and herbal complexity.
Domaine Giudicelli
Patrimonio | Patrimonio | Certified Organic
Muriel Giudicelli's 5-hectare domaine has become one of Patrimonio's most exciting addresses, yielding wines of remarkable purity and precision.
Her approach emphasises site expression: indigenous fermentations, minimal sulphur, ageing in older barrels.
The wines
White from Vermentino is bright and mineral. Red from Nielluccio shows elegance and complexity.
Domaine Sant Armettu
Sartène | Corse Sartène | Certified Organic
Gilles Seroin's 29-hectare domaine has emerged as one of southern Corsica's finest addresses, capturing the island's distinctive character.
The wines
Whites from Vermentino are rich and mineral. Reds from Sciacarello and Nielluccio show elegance and complexity. Myrtus from old-vine Sciacarello is particularly compelling.
Domaine de Vaccelli
Cognocoli-Monticchi | Corse | Certified Organic
Alain Courrèges's 10-hectare domaine represents traditional Corsican winemaking. Indigenous varieties on granite soils are farmed organically.
The wines
White from Vermentino is fresh and mineral. Rosé is serious and structured. Red from Sciacarello shows the variety's distinctive peppery elegance.
LANGUEDOC
Domaine Léon Barral
Lenthéric | Faugères | Certified Biodynamic
Didier Barral's domaine has become a biodynamic viticulture reference in the Languedoc. His 30 hectares, farmed as a self-sustaining agricultural ecosystem, yield wines of remarkable purity.
His approach emphasises terroir over varietal character: multiple varieties in blend, indigenous fermentations, minimal intervention. Faugères bottlings Jadis and Valinière show what this appellation achieves with serious viticulture.
Mylène Bru
Villeveyrac | Languedoc | Certified Biodynamic
Mylène Bru's 8-hectare domaine near Villeveyrac has emerged as one of the Languedoc's most exciting addresses, yielding wines of remarkable purity.
Her approach emphasises freshness over power: careful extraction, minimal sulphur, early bottling. Various cuvées show what the Languedoc achieves with thoughtful viticulture and minimal intervention.
Alain Chabanon
Lagamas | Languedoc | Certified Biodynamic
Alain Chabanon's 10-hectare domaine represents the Languedoc at its most uncompromising, yielding wines of remarkable individuality.
His approach is traditional but not nostalgic: multiple varieties in blend, indigenous fermentations, ageing in various vessels. Campredon from Mourvèdre and Syrah is particularly compelling.
Mas Coutelou
Puimisson | Vin de France | Certified Biodynamic
Jeff Coutelou's 18-hectare domaine has become a cult favourite amongst natural wine enthusiasts, yielding wines of remarkable character.
His approach is playful but serious: unusual blends, extended macerations, no sulphur. Various cuvées, often with whimsical names, show the Languedoc's potential for freshness and drinkability.
Clos Fantine
Faugères | Faugères | Certified Organic
The Fantine sisters, Carole, Corinne, and Agnès, have transformed their family domaine into one of Faugères's most compelling addresses. Their 23 organic hectares yield wines of consistent quality.
Their approach emphasises elegance over power: careful extraction, ageing in larger foudres, restrained oak. Various Faugères bottlings demonstrate appellation potential for refinement.
Domaine Fond Cyprès
Laurens | Faugères | Certified Biodynamic
Rodolphe and Marie-Aimée Gianesini's 6-hectare domaine has emerged as one of the Languedoc's most exciting young properties, yielding wines of remarkable purity.
Their approach combines tradition and innovation: indigenous fermentations, concrete eggs for ageing, minimal sulphur. Various cuvées show Faugères at its most refined.
Anne Gros & Jean-Paul Tollot
Cazevieille | Languedoc | Certified Organic
Anne Gros, of Burgundian fame, and husband Jean-Paul Tollot established this 12-hectare domaine near Cazevieille in 2008, bringing Burgundian precision to Languedoc terroir.
Their approach is meticulous: low yields, indigenous fermentations, ageing in various vessels. Various cuvées show what the Languedoc achieves when approached with Grand Cru ambition.
Domaine Ledogar
Ferrals-les-Corbières | Corbières | Certified Biodynamic
Xavier Ledogar's 16-hectare domaine has become a Corbières reference, showing what this often underrated appellation achieves.
His approach emphasises site expression: single-parcel bottlings, indigenous fermentations, minimal intervention. Various cuvées from Carignan, Grenache, and Syrah demonstrate Corbières terroir diversity.
Les Clos Perdus
Peyriac-de-Mer | Corbières | Certified Organic
Paul Old and Hugo Stewart's Les Clos Perdus has become one of the Languedoc's most exciting projects. Various vineyards across Corbières, farmed organically, yield wines of remarkable individuality.
Their approach emphasises terroir over convention: unusual varieties, old-vine Carignan, minimal intervention. Various bottlings offer comprehensive tour of what the Languedoc achieves with thoughtful viticulture.
Peyre Rose
Saint-Pargoire | Languedoc | Certified Organic
Marlène Soria's Peyre Rose has achieved cult status, representing the Languedoc at its most ambitious. Her 20 hectares near Saint-Pargoire, farmed organically, yield wines of extraordinary concentration.
Her approach is uncompromising: minuscule yields, extended maceration, years of ageing before release. Clos des Cistes and Syrah Léone, often released a decade post-vintage, show remarkable depth and complexity.
Roc d'Anglade
Langlade | Vin de France | Certified Organic
Rémy Pédréno's Roc d'Anglade has achieved legendary status, wines representing the Languedoc at its most refined. His 15 hectares near Langlade, farmed organically, yield wines rivalling the best Rhône.
His approach is meticulous: low yields, indigenous fermentations, ageing in larger foudres.
The wines
White from Chenin Blanc and Roussanne is rich and mineral. Rosé is serious and structured. Red from Carignan, Mourvèdre, and Syrah shows remarkable elegance and complexity.
ROUSSILLON
Danjou-Banessy
Espira-de-l'Agly | Côtes du Roussillon | Certified Biodynamic
The Danjou brothers, Benoît and Sébastien, have transformed their family domaine into one of the Roussillon's most exciting addresses. Their 15 biodynamic hectares in Espira-de-l'Agly yield wines of remarkable character.
Their approach emphasises site expression: single-parcel bottlings, indigenous fermentations, minimal intervention. Various cuvées from Grenache, Carignan, and Macabeu demonstrate Agly valley terroir diversity.
Bruno Duchêne
Banyuls-sur-Mer | Banyuls, Collioure | Certified Organic
Bruno Duchêne's 6-hectare domaine has achieved cult status. Steep schist slopes yield wines of remarkable purity and precision.
His approach is uncompromising: organic farming on terraces so steep they require donkeys, indigenous fermentations, no sulphur. Various cuvées show what Grenache achieves in this dramatic terroir.
Domaine de l'Horizon
Calce | Côtes du Roussillon | Certified Biodynamic
Thomas Teibert's 9-hectare domaine represents Germanic precision applied to Roussillon terroir, yielding wines of remarkable elegance.
His approach emphasises freshness over power: careful extraction, minimal sulphur, early bottling. White from Grenache Gris and Macabeu is particularly compelling.
Domaine Matassa
Calce | Vin de France | Certified Organic
Tom Lubbe's 20-hectare domaine has become one of the Roussillon's most celebrated estates, yielding wines of remarkable individuality.
His approach combines South African boldness with Roussillon terroir: unusual varieties, extended macerations, minimal intervention. Various cuvées, particularly old-vine Grenache bottlings, show remarkable depth and complexity.
Pedres Blanques
Salses-le-Château | Côtes du Roussillon | Certified Organic
Jean-Baptiste Senat's 7-hectare project represents a new generation's Roussillon approach, yielding wines of remarkable freshness.
His approach emphasises drinkability over power: carbonic maceration for some cuvées, minimal extraction, early bottling. Various bottlings show regional potential for elegance rather than brute force.
Domaine Olivier Pithon
Calce | Côtes du Roussillon | Certified Biodynamic
Olivier Pithon's 15-hectare domaine has become a regional reference, wines balancing concentration with freshness.
His approach is meticulous: low yields, indigenous fermentations, ageing in various vessels. Various cuvées from Grenache, Carignan, and Macabeu demonstrate Calce's remarkable terroir.
Le Soula
Saint-Martin-de-Fenouillet | Vin de Pays des Côtes Catalanes | Organic Principles
Le Soula represents one of the Roussillon's most ambitious projects. The domaine's 22 hectares near Saint-Martin-de-Fenouillet, at elevations up to 700 metres, yield wines unlike anything else regionally.
The approach emphasises freshness and elegance: relatively cool-climate viticulture, indigenous fermentations, minimal intervention. White from Grenache Gris, Macabeu, and other varieties is particularly compelling.
BORDEAUX
Château Belair-Monange
Saint-Émilion | Saint-Émilion | Certified Organic
Château Belair-Monange represents the Moueix family's commitment to terroir-focused Saint-Émilion winemaking. Their 13 limestone plateau hectares yield wines of remarkable elegance and refinement.
The approach is traditional but meticulous: organic farming, indigenous fermentations, ageing in mixed barrels and concrete. Results show Saint-Émilion at its most classical.
Domaine de Galouchey
Saint-Émilion | Saint-Émilion | Certified Biodynamic
Domaine de Galouchey represents a different Saint-Émilion approach: natural winemaking in one of Bordeaux's most traditional appellations. The 3 biodynamic hectares yield wines of remarkable individuality.
The approach is uncompromising: indigenous fermentations, minimal sulphur, no new oak. Results show what Merlot and Cabernet Franc achieve with minimal intervention.
Château Palmer
Margaux | Margaux | Certified Biodynamic
Château Palmer has emerged as one of Bordeaux's most progressive estates, biodynamic conversion marking decisive shift for this third growth. Sustainability commitment extends beyond vineyard to encompass every production aspect.
Their wines, always among Margaux's most elegant, have gained additional depth and complexity since biodynamic conversion. Alter Ego second wine offers more accessible introduction.
Petrus
Pomerol | Pomerol | Organic Principles
Petrus needs little introduction: simply one of the world's greatest wines, its Merlot-dominated blend from clay soils achieving depth and complexity unmatched elsewhere in Bordeaux.
The Moueix family's meticulous approach, from sustainable viticulture to precisely calibrated winemaking, yields wines of remarkable consistency. Each vintage represents a unique expression of this extraordinary terroir.
Château Pontet-Canet
Pauillac | Pauillac | Certified Biodynamic
Château Pontet-Canet represents biodynamic viticulture at Bordeaux's highest levels. Alfred Tesseron's conversion of this fifth growth to biodynamics, complete with horse-drawn cultivation, challenged conventional wisdom about regional possibilities.
Results speak for themselves: wines have reached new quality heights whilst soils have regained vitality lost during decades of chemical farming. Their approach demonstrates that even Bordeaux's most prestigious estates can embrace sustainable viticulture without sacrificing quality.
Château Le Puy
Francs | Côtes de Bordeaux | Certified Biodynamic
Château Le Puy has become a symbol of biodynamic Bordeaux viticulture, the Amoreau family having farmed their 50 hectares without chemicals since the estate's 1610 founding.
Their approach is uncompromising: no chemicals, no new oak, minimal intervention. Results, labelled simply as Côtes de Bordeaux, show what Bordeaux achieves when approached with humility and terroir respect.
Various cuvées including legendary Emilien and Barthélemy demonstrate that Bordeaux's most compelling wines need not come from famous appellations.
SOUTHWEST
Domaine Castéra
Jurançon | Jurançon | Certified Organic
Christophe Casanova's 8-hectare domaine represents Jurançon at its most refined, yielding both dry and sweet wines of remarkable precision.
His approach emphasises freshness over power: careful extraction, indigenous fermentations, minimal sulphur.
The wines
Dry Jurançon from Petit Manseng and Gros Manseng is bright and mineral. Sweet wines show elegant concentration rather than cloying richness.
Les Jardins de Babylone
Jurançon | Jurançon | Certified Biodynamic
Didier Dagueneau's Jurançon project continues under his children's stewardship, dramatic terraced vineyards yielding sweet wines of extraordinary concentration and complexity.
The approach is as meticulous as at their Loire properties: biodynamic farming, indigenous fermentations, extended ageing. Results show Petit Manseng at its most profound.
Clos Larrouyat
Madiran | Madiran | Certified Organic
Julien Larrouyat's 5-hectare domaine has emerged as one of Madiran's most exciting addresses, wines showing Tannat's potential for elegance rather than brute force.
His approach emphasises site expression: indigenous fermentations, minimal extraction, ageing in larger vessels. Various cuvées demonstrate that Madiran need not be aggressive to be compelling.
Domaine Plageoles
Gaillac | Gaillac | Certified Organic
The Plageoles family has become synonymous with Gaillac's indigenous varieties, commitment to preserving regional viticultural heritage spanning generations. Robert Plageoles began this work decades ago; today son Bernard continues the mission.
Their approach is archaeological as much as agricultural: rescuing nearly extinct varieties, propagating them from surviving vines, vinifying to reveal distinctive characters. Ondenc, Mauzac, and Prunelart bottlings glimpse Gaillac's pre-phylloxera past.
Domaine de Souch
Jurançon | Jurançon | Certified Organic
Yvonne Hegoburu's 7-hectare domaine represents traditional Jurançon, yielding sweet wines of remarkable purity and complexity.
Her approach is patient: multiple harvest passes for botrytis-affected fruit, indigenous fermentations, extended ageing. Results show Petit Manseng's potential for depth and longevity.
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Burgundy Producers | Loire Producers | Jura & Savoie Producers | Bordeaux Producers | Alsace Producers
Further Reading
Develop Your Palate
How Taste Works | How to Develop Your Palate | Taste Decoded Series
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