Red Wine Domaine Charles Audoin Marsannay Les Longeroies 2020. Lauded as a Marsannay reference point” by William Keller of Wine Advocate, Domaine Charles Audoin is named after the visionary winemaker who first started bottling his family’s wines in the 1970s. Charles grew his family’s holdings from 2.5 hectares to 14 hectares which include most of the finest plots in the Marsannay appellation. In recent years Charles has handed over the reins to his son Cyril, the fifth generation of the family to grow grapes here. The family practice organic agriculture without certification and do not fine or filter their wines before bottling to preserve their natural character. This single vineyard bottling comes from their Les Longeroies plot which is expected to gain Premier Cru status in the near future. The expert winemaking and exceptional terroir make this a truly great Marsannay red that rivals many Premier Crus from neighbouring appellations. Bright red fruit like raspberries, red cherries and pomegranate define the nose while the palate offers a medium body, well-built structure and fine tannins. Bold fruit flavours dominate along with undertones of dried herbs, forest floor, and woodsmoke from the oak ageing. A magnificent wine to cellar for a few more years or enjoy now with herby roast lamb or a hearty coq au vin.
2020
Red Wine Domaine Charles Audoin Marsannay Les Longeroies 2020
Red Wine Domaine Nico Grande Mere Pinot Noir 2020. Domaine Nico is pioneering the world’s first high altitude Pinot Noir in Argentina’s Uco Valley where the estate’s vineyards sit at between 1120 to 1500 metres above sea level. This ambitious project is overseen by talented winemaker Laura Catena whose family helped put Argentina on the map for quality Malbec wines. Laura has been fascinated by the Pinot Noir grape ever since she first travelled to France as a teenager. To craft this exceptional Pinot Laura carefully selects grapes from small parcels in Tupungato which grow on limestone soils of alluvial origin. Thanks to the altitude and the proximity of the Andes Mountains, the fruit achieves optimum ripeness while retaining plenty of freshness and elegance. Once in the winery, Laura carries out 15 microvinifications using wild yeasts found naturally in the winery and on the grape skins. The wine is then left to mature in French oak barrels for 14 months before bottling. This graceful yet groundbreaking Pinot is named after Laura’s Grande Mere”, a tribute to her grandmother Angelica who tragically passed away in a car accident at a young age. The delicate raspberry, plum and bright cherry fruit mingle with elegant tannins, a silky smooth texture and a pure and refined finish in a fitting testament to a much-loved and admired member of the Catena family.
2020
Red Wine Domaine Nico Grande Pere Pinot Noir 2020. The Catena family played a legendary role in putting Argentina on the map for Malbec, but in recent years they’ve been pushing boundaries by experimenting with ever higher altitude vineyards and alternative grape varieties. Esteemed winemaker Laura Catena first fell in love with Pinot Noir while visiting France as a teenager, and inspired by that early passion she began to pioneer plantings of Pinot Noir in the Uco Valley. This sub-region has a reputation for being the highest altitude area in Mendoza, and Domaine Nico’s vineyards sit at 1120-1500 metres above sea level. This means the vines receive lots of strong UV light as well as cooler nights which allow them to rest and retain acidity and freshness in the grapes. These conditions are ideal for Pinot Noir, showcasing the bright red fruit character as well as the more delicate aromatics. This particular cuvee is named in honour of Laura’s Grande Pere” or grandfather”. She uses a gentle approach to winemaking, allowing the natural character of the grapes and terroir to shine through. Following vinification the young wine is aged in oak barrels for 15 months. The result is a dynamic yet serious Pinot with silky smooth tannins, a medium body, and plenty of ripe fruit that lingers on the palate.
2020