France
French wine is produced all throughout France, in quantities between 50 and 60 million hectolitres per year, or 7–8 billion bottles. In many respects, French wines have more of a regional than a national identity, as evidenced by different grape varieties, production methods and different classification systems in the various regions. Quality levels and prices vary enormously, and some wines are made for immediate consumption while other are meant for long-time cellaring.
Brands
Distinction and elegance. Established in 1849, Pol Roger is the “Gentlemen’s Champagne, as Jean Paul Kauffman wrote in ‘Voyage en Champagne”. It is not surprising therefore the British Royal family should have made it their favourite over the years. The winery and cellars are located on the celebrated and noble Avenue de Champagne in Epernay, in the very place where the heart of Champagne beats. The purity and nobility of Champagne Pol Roger is also the fruit of know-how passed down from generation to generation. From the harvest in the region’s best vineyards to the painstaking work in the cellar, each gesture has its importance.
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The Estate as it exists today was largely established by Jules Lafon and it is important to distinguish the parcels originating from the Marie Boch inheritance (some of which have since been sold, particularly those of generic Burgundy), from other land bought or exchanged; The Boch Inheritance and les achats ou échanges. At present, the vines and buildings are owned by ‘The Domaine des Comtes Lafon’, a limited company whose shareholders are descendants of Jules Lafon. All vineyards are entirely managed by the Estate.
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“Domaine & Maison Les Alexandrins” came into being with the collaboration of three figures of the Northern Rhone Valley: Nicolas Jaboulet, 6th generation of a winegrowing family in Tain l’Hermitage since 1834, Guillaume Sorrel, son of Marc Sorrel of Domaine Sorrel in Hermitage, and Alexandre Caso, specialist in the terroirs of the Northern Rhone.
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Even when facing difficulties, André Perret is willing to preserve terroir and nature, such as terrace cultivation of the vines on steep hillsides. He is also keen to avoid systematic treatments of his vines; pesticides are only used as and when required. Yields are controlled in order to achieve the quality and authenticity requirements that André has fixed.
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On the foothills of the Pyrenees, surrounded by its vineyards, Domaine Gayda is a new destination in the Languedoc. A fully organic vineyard with certification for the Figure Libre range is completed in 2012. All the grapes are handpicked in small 20kg crates.
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Founded in 1950 by Joseph Jamet, Domaine Jamet is based in the Northern Rhone Valley. With a focus on nature and simplicity, Jamet is managed by Jean-Paul Jamet and Corinne Jamet today. The bottles are with character, as a result of a man’s work on a terroir.
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Domaine Taupenot-Merme
This is a rare domaine which differentiates between holdings in Charmes- and Mazoyères-Chambertin. Their cousins across the road at Domaine Perrot-Minot do so as well. The Taupenots also own a tiny patch of Clos des Lambrays, though there is not enough for it to be seen commercially in any significant way.
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True to Beaujolais tradition, Dominique Piron wines are made via semi-carbonic maceration, during which whole grapes undergo a long fermentation before being pressed. This technique creates vibrant, fruit-forward wines that are exceptionally low tannins. Unlike many wines, they can be enjoyed immediately, but will also keep well for several years.
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baronfrancois.com/producers/dominique-piron
Hugel et Fils, founded in 1639 in Riquewhir, is still 100% family-owned and managed by the 12th generation. Annual production of 110,000 cases comes from 70 acres of family estate and 300 acres farmed under contract. Over 90% is exported, to more than 100 countries worldwide, especially to Asia, and the distinctive yellow Hugel label was first seen in Singapore 75 years ago. Alsace’s unique climate allows grapes to ripen slowly, giving dry, aromtic wines with great finesse and intensity, making them a perfect match to contemporary European and Asian styles of cusine. Hugel wines express the pure character of each Alsace grape variety, without oak or sweetening, and the family pioneered the rare late-harvest Vendange Tardive and Selection de Grains Nobles wines.
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Georges Glantenay
Created from a line of winegrowers from father to son since the 17th century, the Georges Glantenay Estate, located in Volnay in Côte-d'Or, is a family wine property born from the sharing of the estate of Pierre Glantenay in 1893. After his estate son Georges then his grandson Pierre, it is now the new generation represented by Guillaume and Sarah, brother and sister, who have taken over the management of the estate.
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Following a tradition of ten generations of winegrowers, from father to son, the Bourgeois brothers and cousins offer the
profound sense of the family values and passion in making fine Sancerre and Pouilly Fume. Run by Jean Marie Bougeois, his sons – Arnaud, Lionel and his nephew Jean – Christophe, the estate of Henri Bourgeois composes of 72ha – of 120 unique parcels, the Bourgeois family’s key principles in viticulture follows closely of organic sustanable pratices and a strong belief in quality, consistency and expression of the terroirs.
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For the last 130 years, Maison Joseph Drouhin has been in the hands of the Drouhin family. One of the largest domaines in Burgundy that owns land throughout the region, including some of the revered sites such as Clos desMouches, Musigny, Clos des Vougeot and Corton-Charlemagne. Joseph Drouhin is helmed by the fourth generation,Frederic, Veronique, Philippe & Laurent Drouhin, who animate the same passion that inspired the founder of the company.
The style of Joseph Drouhin is an alliance between soil respect, balance and harmony. Wines meant to be drunk young are fresh and subtle; wines meant for keeping acquire with age a luscious complexity. Joseph Drouhin has adopted the biological and biodynamic approach. Only natural products are used in the vineyards and all procedures show the utmost respect for the soil, the vine and the environment.
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