Wines and spirits France

The Lanessan vineyard has belonged to the Bouteiller family since the 18th century. Both a wine castle and a museum, Lanessan was built in 1878 and is surrounded by an English-style park, a Dutch greenhouse and a flower garden. Its Horse Museum has an extraordinary collection, including horse-drawn carriages that once belonged to the family's great-great-grandparents. The stables with blue marble feeder are remarkable. To enjoy this estate, several options are available, combining tasting, visit of the cellars, tasting and/or visit by horse-drawn carriage of the estate.

Although Château Siran is one of the few Médoc estates to have been in the same family for over 160 years, traces of its first production date back to the end of the ^17th century. Today, Edouard Miailhe is at the helm of this AOC Margaux estate, which prides itself on producing rare, refined wines. An 88-hectare ecosystem where vines, woods and meadows contribute to biodiversity and responsible farming practices. Tours end on the château's roof, with a 360° view over the vineyards, and a tasting of 3 wines from the 3 terroirs.

Owned by the Lamothe family since 1730, Château Haut-Bergeron, with its 168 awards, is one of the most decorated in the Sauternes appellation. Produced from a hundred or so small plots spread over the entire appellation area (26 hectares of old vines, some of which were grafted in 1903), the harvest is finishing its ageing process in oak barrels in three cellars, which, for example, did not see the 1993 vintage, deemed not worthy enough for bottling. Other older vintages are still available.

Stéphane Foucher, sommelier, has, in addition to his address in Les Lices, a second cellar in rue de Nemours. We come here for Stéphane or Mathieu's sharp advice but also to discover a selection of 900 to 1,200 references of organic, biodynamic and natural wines! There is something for every budget, with a very promising entry-level price that is accessible to small budgets. In this cellar, small producers are in the spotlight and you will taste with delight the work on the grape varieties. The winery knows how to look for and find the right bottle at the different exhibitions but also directly by going to the winegrowers (45,000 km per year travelled to meet them). You will find a good selection of small Languedoc wines, which are well worth some Bordeaux in value for money. There are also some surprising vintages and creative "coups de coeur" that the cellar master speaks of with passion. You can also take your taste buds on a trip with foreign wines from Italy, Spain, Greece, Georgia, Austria but also wines from the New World (including Chile and Argentina). For those who would like to perfect their oenological knowledge, things become more serious during the tastings hosted by the cellar master, twice a month. Also to be discovered are 200 references of whiskys, rums and brandies, a selection of 60 beers and a few ciders from Brittany and Normandy. A cellar that assures you the advice of a professional with a warm welcome so as not to make any false notes and to offer you good tasting moments.

The area, the cradle of several generations, dominates the village of Cercié, at the foot of Mont-Brouilly Chapel. Here we find three names  : Beaujolais-villages, brouilly with its intense ruby robe, aromas of red fruit or plum and a cellaring and powerful body, it is the believer who expresses the fruity bouquet of the gamay grape. Morgon, a pleasant young man but takes over a special scent of ripe fruit and nuclei over time. Most of the domain  : manual harvest with very selective sorting on the table to the vine. The area also includes a rural cottage for 5 people (2 ears).

Florent Barichard and Éric Nesson cultivate 11 ha of red vines and 7 ha of white vines, using integrated farming methods. Indigenous yeasts and ageing in concrete vats produce ripe, fresh whites. Instan T is an entry-level wine in all three colors. Tressallier is featured in the Champs Carrés cuvée. Les Cailloux is a Pinot Noir rich in flowers and cranberries, marked by its long ageing in wood. Les Ardelles is surprisingly powerful and sweet. The grand cuvées are aged in oak barrels. Two sparkling wines, one white and one rosé, Clin d'oeil.

The owners of the Rigmarole next door, Jessica Yang and Robert Compagnon, are also at the helm of Folderol, a crazy concept that's been all the rage for some time now. Here, Jessica, a former pastry chef at Guy Savoy, offers ice creams that are as surprising as they are delicious. While the repertoire still includes the great classics, the olive oil, cold brew, and banana crème crue ice creams stand out. A glass of wine is available to accompany this refreshing break.

Born in 1868, the family estate is now in the hands of the sixth generation. The twenty-three hectare vineyard extends over the communes of Fronton, Pompignan and Fabas. Aged in the old cob cellar, the very typical wines have become a must for the good tables of the region. The entire production is bottled at the property. Grape varieties: 50% négrette, syrah, cabernet franc, sauvignon and côt. The red wines are matured in vats or in oak barrels and are awarded prizes each year, as well as the Julie vintage for the rosé.

Fernand Montaut took over the family estate handed down from generation to generation since 1877. A little like a magical painting, the Pyrenees stand opposite this residence typical inhabitant of Béarn. Between vineyards and vault, it employs time to take care of its vineyard extract the best form of grape and local. Each year has its own personal touch and is sharp in terms of praise like this Cuvée Prestige white, attractive, harmonious and balanced, which combines power and nervousness with a change in warm mouth. During your visit to the estate, you can follow the cellar and discover the stages of these wines. The reception in this authentic house with a béarnaise sauce is always warm and friendly.

This is a family property of 25 acres including 10 planted in vineyard. Today it is the nephew Didier who invaded the estate on the side of the owner, Casimir Capdevielle. In a beautifully restored barn with a béarnaise sauce, you will find a large tasting room with a beautiful outdoor terrace with panoramic views of the vineyards, and a side room charmer with hints of the past. As the estate was organised for guided tours, seminars, tastings and the perfectly orchestrated meals... In the range of wines from the estate, discover, the dry jurançon, "Brise Océane" cool and refreshing, the soft "Breath of the South" fruity and bright, with the full and structured mouth, "Nobility of balanced Autumn" and personality, and slightly wooded "Rêve de Pyrénées".

For neophytes and wine lovers, this cellar offers an innovative concept. Using a card credited with the amount of your choice, you can taste 32 wines and spirits (Côtes-du-Rhône, Provence, Languedoc, Roussillon, Bordeaux and Burgundy) thanks to the Enomatic nitrogen service and preservation system. Ideal for discovering aromas and choosing the right bottle. There's also a selection of great houses, pastis and a wide range of Japanese whisky. A new boutique next door is devoted exclusively to spirits.

In the heart of the Saint-Thierry massif, in the village of Pevy, the Hautbois family has been cultivating 6 ha of vines with skill and passion for 5 generations. The 3 Champagne grape varieties are well represented, with 55% pinot meunier, 25% pinot noir and 20% chardonnay, offering a rich mosaic of terroir and unique taste qualities. Brut, rosé and Grande Réserve make up the range. As well as Achille, a 100% chardonnay vintage wine, and Harmonie, a perfect blend of the 3 grape varieties.

This family estate, handed down from generation to generation since 1902, is now in the hands of sisters Brigitte and Corinne Dousseau. They first modernized the winery, then obtained "high environmental value" certification. The reds are produced under the Madiran appellation, and the whites under the Pacherenc-du-Vic-Bilh appellation. Fans of rosé wines like to turn to Béarn rosé. Triply awarded, the Domaine received two gold medals and a silver medal at the Concours Général Agricole in 2022.

It is part of the Vedrenne group, which comprises several French distilleries and liqueur distilleries emblematic of their respective terroirs. The Pagès distillery specializes in the production of the region's emblematic plant liqueur, Verveine du Velay. Founded in 1859, it has been perpetuating its traditional know-how and recognized expertise ever since. The Pagès distillery works in close collaboration with local producers, favoring sustainable farming practices. The fruit used in the production of our liqueurs is selected from the best local varieties and picked when perfectly ripe. The Pagès distillery also offers other emblematic products, such as crème de Cassis de Bourgogne, liqueurs and quality fruit syrups.

The Domaine d'Embidoure is a women's business. Nathalie and Sandrine Menegazzo inherited the estate in 2006. They perpetuate the work of the vineyard, by practicing a reasoned culture and by bringing a great care to the methods of wine making. We particularly appreciate the white wines, dry or sweet, which have won several awards. Thus, the Cuvée des Filles 2017 presents a beautiful balance between chardonnay, sauvignon and petit manseng. It goes perfectly with fish and white meats and collects medals in competitions.

Before becoming the property of Baron Raoul de Pichon-Longueville in 1864, the estate passed through the hands of various families. Stéphane de Luze is one of the descendants of the man who so marvellously knew how to enrich the traditional know-how of armagnac. The selection is for the Bas-Armagnac Blanche de Briat, 100% folle blanche, fully expressing the aromatic finesse of the grape variety as well as its perfect olfactory and gustatory balance. Very nice label.

The Bellevue-la-Forêt estate and its 112 hectares are the result of an adventure started in 1974. The main grape variety is negrette, but it is also associated with syrah, cabernet franc or sauvignon and gamay. You will be able to discover the various vintages, from the Classic to the Optimum in red, the Classic and Royal Forest rosés. Smart idea: follow one of the two routes of the Fronton vineyard which end with a tasting. On sunny days, a guinguette welcomes you!

This domain no longer counts the medals: competitions in Bordeaux, Toulouse, Mâcon and the Concours Général Agricole de Paris, the International Wine Challenge, the European Masters Competition, the Federation of Independent Winegrowers. The comments of the specialized literature join this concert of praises. A great recognition for this family property created in 1980 on 20 ha, which produces four Madiran and two Pacherenc wines. From now on, Sylvain takes up the path traced by his father, perpetuating a work of excellence.

Founded in 1850, this 25-hectare estate at the gateway to the Pyrénées Atlantiques is dedicated to sublimating the Madiran and Pacherenc du Vic-Bilh appellations. It was recently taken over by two young sisters, Claire and Marion Bertolussi. They work in compliance with Haute Valeur Environnementale certification, which preserves biodiversity and limits the pressure of agricultural practices on the environment. The Bertolussi sisters offer a range of 5 wines and a wine liqueur, Tanatis, made like a port wine, but from 100% tannat grapes.

One of the inescapable areas of Gevrey-Chambertin, this house already existed in the 1730 s. The area covers 18 ha, with 5 grands crus covering 2/3 of the vineyards, Chambertin, Latricières-Chambertin, Charms-Chambertin, Mazis-Chambertin, Mazoyères-Chambertin and 1/3 in the name Gevrey-Chambertin. In a reasoned culture, the Domaine Camus develops the use of natural fertilizers and minimizes that of weed. The harvest is of course manual, with enamelled vats and screw presses in oak barrels which can vary from 18 months to 24 months. Remarkable, 90% of bottles are encirées, tradition but also response to customer demand! Last but not least, the policy of very…' reasoned'prices. The prices offered for a year, are for life, even an old vintage remains at the price of the year. An amazing address for the quality and prices of its Grands Crus. If you make an appointment, the house organizes a visit of the cellars and the cellar followed by a tasting of its Grands Crus. Guaranteed purchases!

The Domaine Chandon de Briailles is an exceptional estate where excellence is everything. By appointment, you are welcomed in the boutique "cellar" of an old oratory. It is splendid. Just like the Ecocert and Demeter certified wines for their organic culture and vinified in truncated wooden vats to combine tradition and modernity. Of the 13.7 ha of vines on the estate, spread between Savigny-Lès-Beaune, Pernand-Vergelesses and Aloxe-Corton, 11 ha are ploughed by horse.

Sir David Murray, a Scottish, became owner of this area of 260 hectares, of which 40 were vineyards, in 2005, the year that marked the beginning of a new era for Château Routas. Located about 400 metres above sea level, it is one of the highest vineyards of the appellation coteaux-en-provence.

This famous liquorist, established in Brive since 1839, has been making for four generations his famous Supreme Denoix or his delicious violet mustard, a Brive speciality both sweet and spicy, made from grape must. You will find many other wonders, including quince liqueur, Quinquinoix and Armagnac chocolates. The distillery offers tours. You can discover the old still, the copper cauldrons and the century-old tuns. You will smell the spirits of plants and seeds, the macerations of barks and fruits. Finally you will taste specialities in a magical and fragrant atmosphere

Welcome to Rocca Fortis! An estate perched at an altitude of 350 metres, with 24 hectares of organic viticulture. The owner, Raimond de Villeneuve Flayosc, enjoys a good reputation among wine lovers and, in viticultural terms, "calm" temperatures and a maritime influence beneficial to vine-growing. From these terroirs comes "Corail", an approachable, sparkling Côtes-de-Provence rosé. To convince yourself of the estate's excellence, treat yourself to "Les Mûres", a red Côtes-de-Provence, the house's best-seller.

Bought by the Ghigo family in 2010 (already owner of Château Peigros in Pierrefeu du Var), this 17th century property is on 34 hectares and is composed of two terroirs of predilection for vine growing. One on the coastal fringe, some plots of which are classified as AOP Côtes de Provence La Londe, and the other close to the Maravenne river, composed of alluvium and sand, and from which a PGI wine of the Moors named La Sabine is produced. Today, the entire estate is run in organic farming.

The genius of these seasoned winemakers, who fought for the AOC, lies in their way of exploiting the climate and the soils. The estate has been producing organic wines since 2012 and was awarded the "bio" label in 2014. A vineyard of 50 ha, divided into AOC Pierrevert (mainly), IGP (5.5 ha) and one hectare of pinot. Syrah and grenache give the typicity of the reds, from a classic vinification or carbonic maceration. As for the cinsault, grenache and vermentino, they are used to produce excellent rosés. Several vintages are offered to visitors.

At Château Barbebelle, one of the oldest vineyards in the region, Madeleine and Valentin work for the best: the alliance of modernity and know-how passed down for 4 generations! The 50 ha of vineyards in the Coteaux d'Aix-en-Provence appellation are located at an altitude of 400 m on clay-limestone soil in the heart of 300 ha of preserved nature. The production is 100% controlled, from the vines to the marketing, in conversion to organic farming. In summer, the park hosts concerts of the festival Les Musicales dans les Vignes de Provence.

This exceptional estate was created in 1970 by Claude Dieudonné. 23 grape varieties are spread over more than 200 hectares, including two AOCs, coteaux-de-pierrevert and côtes-du-luberon. The diversification and the technicality brought to these vineyards allow to present a vast range of products. Régusse has been committed since the year 2000 to the Viticulture Raisonnée Contrôlée (VRC) approach. In the shop you will find all this production and also a nice choice of whiskies and rums as well as many local craft products.

If the hermits occupying the abbey of the Terres de Saint Hilaire in the 17th century already practiced viticulture for their own consumption, the work of the vine seems never to have ceased since. This ancestral culture took off again in 2002, when the Burel family acquired the estate. Attached to the notions of authenticity and sharing (Terra Vitis label), the estate's team develops products that appeal to novices as well as initiates.

Owned by Romain and Barbara Tchénio, the Château Barbanau estate comprises 30 hectares of vineyards in two appellations: Côtes de Provence and Cassis. In this appellation, the Cuvée Kalahari, a wild, full-bodied white, expresses its breadth and depth. Alongside the star of the house, a false shy, the Cassis Blanc "Clos Val Bruyère". The reds are also waiting to be discovered. The estate's healthy practices (organic farming, biodynamics, manual harvesting) will convince you.

Pascal and Jocelyne Breton welcome you to their family farm, founded in 1930, in the heart of the Orne bocage. For three generations, this farm has combined milk production with cider-making. The farm's range of products is sold direct: pommeau, calvados, cider, perry, apple juice and cider vinegar. The entire estate is open to the public (reservations required), and events such as cooking workshops are organised on a regular basis. You'll also discover Normandy-bred animals.

Adrien Boi has an original approach to buying wines and spirits online. This young man from Strasbourg offers you, on subscription, to discover each month two organic winegrowers from Alsace and other regions of France. In addition, you will receive each month a box composed of two natural wines provided by the selected winegrowers for the occasion. These wines are made from certified organic and/or biodynamic grapes. Christophe Lindenlaub, Jérôme Neumeyer, Henri Kaes and Florian Beck-Hartweg are part of Adrien's selection.

More than 1,000 references are identified here, 80 of them only for whiskies. The guardian of the temple comes from the restoration, so that it will be good advice to guide you in choosing a wine to accompany a dish. It should not be missed: the small harvest radius, with treasures at low prices. For the rest, the wines of the world are represented, and about everything in spirits and spirits - to consume, obviously with moderation. And as we are in Le Havre, the Norman trio is required: pommeau, calvados and liqueur of Calvados in the same box. Ideal for gifts!

A young Nantais, graduated from the University of Wine, exercises his art in the centre of Le Havre. Here, no foreign wines! But many small French producers are represented. Each week, a different tasting is offered to the clientele. For this wine enthusiast, discovering new vineyards has become a real battleground. Result: real treasures can be found at more than reasonable prices. On the panels, well-illustrated, the wine of the month. It is not uncommon for one or two recipes to be recommended. Today, the old mustard rabbit will accompany a Bourgueil. White wine lovers will be more than happy. But beware, you will find very few Bordeaux. An address to see and review. Practice: He is the only wine grower open on Sunday morning in Le Havre.

Beware, the dealer is a winemaker, so she knows a lot about wine! Note: regular tastings.

Since July 2022, the opening of the Vinothèque des Vignerons du Jurançon has been a must for wine lovers, with the opportunity to taste and buy exceptional wines directly. Located just outside Pau, the vinothèque aims to bring producers and consumers closer together geographically, creating an authentic link between wine enthusiasts and Jurançon's artisan winemakers. The vinothèque offers a selection of 120 Jurançon wines. Each bottle reflects the local terroir, and expresses the know-how of the winemakers.

A small shop which, as its name shows, makes in beer and whisky. Irish, Scottish and a few curiosities of Canada and States. A wide choice of beers. From all countries, from all colors, amber, brunes, some white and many!. For amateurs, tasting on Sunday from 11 am to 13 pm, with small homemade confection, which blend perfectly with the tasting drink of the day.

La Cordonnerie is here. L'Echanson is across the street. The Mercier brothers, Alex and Serge, know between them how to order the choice of wines. Let's meet in the store, where the cobbler is this time well shod. Wines for tasting in the Echanson bar and on the shelves; there are always glasses at the cash register on the large table. Word of wine lovers who know how to find rarities, this address, we order it, note it. And so much the worse for the purse strings.

The domain of Pajot, began its organic conversion in 2001 and obtained the certification in 2013. It produces Côtes-de-Gascogne, Floc and Armagnac. The grape varieties of colombard, ugni-blanc, gros manseng and sauvignon are selected with passion and rigor by Damien Barreau. Through the visit of the vineyards and the tasting of wines, flocs and armagnacs, you will be advised and accompanied to find the one adapted to your tastes. We recommend for example the Quatre Cépages, a fresh dry white wine with aromatic notes of citrus, boxwood and exotic fruits.

After their move to Alby-sur-Chéran, the Brasseurs Savoyards continue to supply us with tasty beers to be found in bars in Annecy and the region, but also on site. The welcome is friendly and you should not miss discovering beers 100% organic and 100% French barley which are rather refreshing. From blonde to blueberry BS, they do not lack taste or originality. Smart, the discovery packs and gift boxes to discover and make discover the subtleties of Savoyard beers, but also the house soft drinks full of character: lemonade, Yaute Cola to drink very fresh or Pure Organic Tea from the Alps for iced teas!

A name well known to wine lovers, the Cave du Parmelan has just changed hands, passing into the hands of a true enthusiast, Jean-Chrysostome Iffrig. La Cave du Parmelan, a traditional cellar where wine has been served for more than 15 years, has just been taken over by a true sommelier by trade, who came through the Alpaga in Megève, and who wants to share with us his wonderful encounters with winegrowers. Right next to the Nouvelles Galeries, a selection of bottles, most of them organically grown, with pleasure in mind. Wines and spirits - fine ranges of whisky, rum, cognac, armagnac... - with excellent advice on food and wine pairing. A cellar to revisit.

On the edge of the Massif des Bauges Regional Nature Park lies a vineyard that enjoys generous sunshine. For four generations, the Quenard family has been cultivating vines on the rocky slopes of Toméry. Between 300 and 400 meters above sea level, on steep slopes of over 40%, they produce red, white and rosé wines of rare originality. Jacquère, altesse, roussanne, gamay, mondeuse, pinot noir, persan and malvoisie are just some of the grape varieties cherished by the passionate Michel and his son Guillaume, who joined them in 2009.

At the heart of the Tours de Chignin lies the 6-hectare estate. For these enthusiasts, wine transcends its simple essence to become a true philosophy of life. Their farming practices follow the rigorous principles of organic and biodynamic agriculture. Their approach emphasizes the importance of the human element, favoring ancestral methods such as manual pruning and harvesting, as well as ploughing with horses.

Since 1883, the Maison house has been an essential player in Savoy, especially with the manufacture of old-fashioned vermouth (in oak barrels) and liqueurs. Stills were manufactured in 1902, they are still being used. Vermouth has been manufactured in Chambéry since the early 1800 s. It is made with the white wine of the coomb of Savoy, AOC, with more than thirty plants and spices. On the bottles today, the original label of 1883. This large national company that also produces more than 300 perfumes of syrups, number two behind Teisseire. From classic fragrances to exotic to fruit or flowers, such as papaya and green lemon or another to cola-cherry. Routin has diversified its products by launching a range of beers typed Savoie, including the White Needle, the Black Trail.

Since its beginnings, Maison Dolin has tirelessly drawn inspiration from the majestic Alps, exploring their treasures to concoct original recipes, jealously guarded to this day. Faithful to its artisan traditions and deep love of the land, the distillery perpetuates ancestral manufacturing methods, making its products must-haves for lovers of authentic flavors and spellbinding stories. The history of Maison Dolin is inextricably linked with that of Savoie, particularly Chambéry. It's thanks to the plants of the Savoyard mountains, the pure air of the peaks and the inspiring landscapes that the brand has thrived. As a result, all products are passionately crafted right here in Chambéry. Today, Maison Dolin offers a surprisingly varied range for a distillery of its size. In addition to its famous vermouth, which is enjoying growing international success, and its historic references, it offers more contemporary declinations, sporting modern designs while retaining rich, subtle flavors. Dolin has always favored local growers, supporting them in the preservation of endangered wild alpine herbs such as genepi and vulnaria. Suppliers of labels, cartons and glass are chosen from the Chambéry area, and the few products that Dolin does not produce itself, such as lemonade or Savoie apple juice, are processed within 30 km of the establishment.

Wine reflects its creator as much as the land in which it was born. It is the faithful mirror of the winemaker's thoughts and the soul of the region. At first glance, Savoyard wine seems austere, less open, imbued with mystery. Like its inhabitants, it reveals a wild, rustic and robust character. Behind a seemingly cold welcome lies a warm heart, true to the image of the Savoyard and his wine. Wine lovers, dare to take the plunge into this estate like no other!