producers Some French vignerons have flown under the radar in recent times, choosing to focus on the integrity of their products, rather than chasing the limelight. Many of the estates Mosaique Wines features have been in the same family for generations, acting as a loving custodian of their lands, passing on the knowledge of these ancient varietals to the winemakers who follow. It is this care and understanding of their terroir that has allowed us to enjoy full expressions of native regional varietals, produced with methods that have been tried and tested over centuries. These producers respect the land they farm above all else, using organic and biodynamic techniques to nourish their vines and the ecosystem around them. We have endeavored to tell their stories, in the hope you can envisage yourself sharing a glass with these characters. You can discover more about each producer, and their wines, by clicking on their photos below. For all the wine buffs out there, we've added technical information that we hope will help you get to know our products, should you like to dig a little deeper! Finally, if you wish to have a look at the French vineyard map we have designed, please click on this link . Champ. Vincent Couche Cote des Bar Domaine Dirler-Cade Alsace Domaine Rohrer Alsace Clotilde Davenne Chablis, Burgundy Domaine Olivier Morin Chitry, Burgundy Sarnin-Berrux Monthelie, Burgundy Domaine Cruchandeau Hautes Cotes, Burgundy Domaine Louis Chenu et Filles Savigny-Les-Beaune Dom. Ludovic Bonnardot Côte de Beaune, Burgundy Chateau des Rontets Pouilly-Fuissé, Burgundy Domaine Montbourgeau L'Etoile, Jura Domaine Adrien Berlioz Chignin, Savoie Domaine Raphael Chopin Beaujolais Domaine Garon Cote-Rotie, Rhone Domaine Duseigneur Chateauneuf du Pape Patis Garagaï Aix-en-Provence Domaine Turenne Cotes de Provence Domaine Mariotti Bindi Corsica Clos Marie Languedoc Pic Saint Loup Thierry Navarre Languedoc Saint-Chinian Domaine Laguerre Roussillon Domaine de Brin Gaillac La Colombiere Fronton Chai Saint Etienne Côteaux du Quercy Clos de Gamot Cahors Dom. Labranche Laffont Madiran & Pacherenc Camin Larredya Jurançon Clos Joliette Jurançon Chateau du Prada Bas-Armagnac Marie & Sylvie Courselle Vin de France, Bordeaux Chateau Tire Pe Bordeaux Ch. Gombaude-Guillot Pomerol Marius Bielle Lalande-de-Pomerol Clos du Jaugueyron Margaux Bourgoin Cognac Cognac Dom. Landron Chartier Muscadet Domaine Ogereau Anjou & Savennieres Chateau de Villeneuve Saumur Champigny Domaine Francois Pinon Vouvray Domaine Vincent Gaudry Sancerre Les Athletes du Vin Loire Domaine des Trouilleres Auvergne Cidrerie du Leguer Britany

DOMAINE nicolas Mariotti bindi Corsica Organic certified It’s all very well to leave Corsica for the bright lights of big city Paris, but once Corsica is in your veins, it’s only a matter of time before it calls you home. Such is the case for Nicolas Mariotti Bindi, who, while studying law decided that a life among the vines, and not the courtroom, was his true calling. Nicolas slowly made his way back to Corsica via a winding wine route, including Beaujolais. Once back on home soil, he sharpened his winemaking skills with local legends Antoine Arena, Domaine Leccia and Domaine Giudicelli. In 2007, he was fortunate to farm his first 5ha patch of vines thanks to the generosity of another local producer. Today, that patch has grown to fifteen hectares across several vineyards in Patrimonio, idyllically nestled between the Mediterranean sea and the Corsican mountains. The vineyards produce Niellucciu (aka Sangiovese) and Vermentinu (aka Vermentino), making wines for his premium Nicolas Mariotti Bindi Vin de France wines, along with the excellent entry level Cantina Di Torra AOP Patrimonio wines. Against normal convention, the Vin de France wines from this producer are more premium, with the classification due to high density vineyards, planted at 7,600 vines per hectare, which is outside AOP laws but provides more freedom in the vineyard. The climate in this region is quite unique, making for frosty mornings, early winters and humidity in the valley, all impacting the vineyards in different ways as they vary from 50 - 200m above sea level. This diversity in climate also extends to the vineyard terroir. The founding Porcellese massal vineyard planted in 1966 consists of old, low yielding (25lh/ha) Niellucciu bushvines, and sits on old alluvial and pebbles.The Mursaglia and Lumiu vineyards sit on clay and limestone terroir, with the Carcu vineyard a clay and limestone slope, facing north east with vines planted in 1970, 1995 and 2009. This last terroir is used for the Cantina di Torra wines. Bindi goes gently in his vineyards, careful not to overwork to avoid soil erosion, with low input of copper and sulphur in the vineyard. The care extends to handpicking the grapes, going into 500L boxes to preserve the berries, many of which are picked early to ensure signature liveliness in the end wines. In the winery, the white grapes are pressed in whole bunches before allowing to naturally ferment for up to one month. The wines are then held in stainless steel for 12 months on fine lees. Unusually for Corsica, the white wines also go through malolactic fermentation. The red grapes are de-stemmed in order to avoid bitterness, with cold maceration for 48 hours and a natural fermentation never exceeding one month. During this time, the juice will see light pumping over daily to wet the top of the tank, avoiding over extraction to create wines with finesse. None of the wines are filtered given the natural clarification over time. Perhaps it’s Mariotti’s training in law that has fostered a precision from the vineyard right through to the labelling - each wine has the exact percentage of alcohol and sulphur written on the label. The wines are also certified organic, however Bindi chooses not to advertise this on the bottles.. Nicolas’ wines are lively and incredibly pure. Delicious in their youth and also capable of ageing brilliantly, we recommend buying some for now, and some for later! Shop wines Quick View 2021 Domaine Nicolas Mariotti Bindi Patrimonio 'Mursaglia' Vermentino Price $108.00 GST Included Quick View 2022-21 Domaine Nicolas Mariotti Bindi Patrimonio 'Albore' Vermentino Price $78.00 GST Included Quick View 2022 Domaine Nicolas Mariotti Bindi Patrimonio 'Albore' Nielluccio Price $78.00 GST Included Quick View 2021 Domaine Nicolas Mariotti Bindi VDF 'Suchju' Niellucciu 1 liter Price $63.00 GST Included Load More

CLOS JOLIETTE Jurancon, South-West France Organic We won’t deny it, wine folk from the South West of France, like Mosaique founder Thomas, will always champion the region and consider its producers as the best. In the case of Clos Joliette, however, it’s hard to disagree - especially when it’s been lauded as “better than Yquem”, by La Revue des Vins de France. ​ Regarded as one of the premier producers in Jurançon, Clos Joliette was founded in 1929, when the Migne family cleared forest in a natural southeast-facing amphitheater to plant a hectare of vines. Going against the grain at the time, the Mignes planted Petit Manseng, rather than the more popular Gros Manseng, and slowly built a modest local following selling their wines for little more than two francs in the old money. Like all good things, it’s hard to keep a lid on it, and before long this niche producer became known as the best in the region and is still revered by some of the world’s best winemakers (in fact, legend has it the late Didier Dagueneau trespassed into the vineyard in the middle of the night to take cuttings to propagate for his own Jurançon estate, Les Jardins de Babylone). Still, with limited income due to the inexpensive bottle price, investment in the property and the vines was minimal. When Maurice Migne, Clos Juliette proprietor throughout the 1960s and 1970s passed away, his widow Jeanne continued production of the wines - although it must be noted that no records exist of how the Mignes farmed the land or made their wine. She was known to be the archetypal picture of a French paysan, always attired in her traditional black apron, under which she tied her leather satchel stuffed with wads of money. ​ In 1989, Jeanne Migne passed away, and with nobody in the family interested in continuing the estate, the vineyard was auctioned off around 1990 or 1991. The Mignes’ son, who was in the car business, sold off the cellar of old vintages, which is why old bottles are incredibly rare (and those you can find now fetch hundreds of euros whenever they come up at auction). ​ There were a few interested parties, including fellow Jurançon winemaker Charles Hours and actor Gérard Depardieu, who had visited the domaine several times and was suitably charmed. Most predicted that Hours would buy the estate; however, the successful bidder was Parisian caviste Michel Renaud. Rather than continuing the legacy, Renaud treated Clos Joliette as a part-time hobby, using pickers from his Armagnac vineyard to conduct the harvest; leaving barrels for five years without racking and topping them up only if necessary; then selling only a fraction of the production to a few friends and cellaring the remainder. ​ Renaud died in 2015, leaving a wife, a daughter and her half-brother. As with all things administrative in France, inheritance laws are complicated so once again the fate of the domaine was in jeopardy. It became widely known that Clos Joliette was for sale, though despite its niche fame, there was no queue of prospective buyers - a situation that remains today. ​ But what of the grapes? Vines don’t just stop growing! Once again, the spirit of the South West has prevailed. Our dear friend Jean-Marc Grussaute from Camin Larredya, also Jurançon, was offered the chance to farm and vinify Clos Joliette 2016 and 2017 vintages, side by side with his wines. Jean-Marc and his winemaker friends from the collective “A Bisto de Nas” (including Christine Dupuy who we represent) were able to buy all the barrels from 2010, 2012, 2013 in addition to the 2016 and 2017, all farmed and vinified themselves. The result has been an incredible selection of complex and aromatic off-dry wines, reflecting the reputation Antoine Gerbelle bestowed on the domaine as “the Romanee Conti of the South-West France”. ​ What makes these wines so sought after is the combination of three unique aspects. First, its location. With only 1.85 hectares Clos Joliette sits at 300m altitude, on the slopes of the hill of Beauvallon (Commune of Jurancon). The vines were planted in 1929 by Madame Migné and exposed to the East and South-East in a natural amphitheater, allowing the grapes to capture the gentle morning sun, rather than afternoon heat. Second, an atypical terroir made of clay-silica, pudding stones, Ponto-Pliocene pebbles and crossed through by a vein of iron. Third, the wine itself - a single varietal 100% Petit Manseng, treated with minimal intervention throughout vinification, no fining or filtration, and long aging in oak barrels for 4 to 6 years. We might add a fourth aspect, being the mystic. There’s little to be said about this wine across the vastness of the internet. They are prized wines, with only 1000 bottles produced each year, sitting firmly in the ‘if you know, you know’ category. Clos Joliette is considered one of those wines one must try in a lifetime, and we are honoured to bring them to Australia. ​ ​ ​ ​ Shop wines Quick View 2012 Clos Joliette Jurançon Price $750.00 GST Included Quick View NV Clos Joliette Vin de France 'J de Joliette' Price $395.00 GST Included

Whether you’re a certified wine lover, a dedicated collector or someone who has ever been handed a wine list - there’s no doubt you’re aware of a place called Burgundy. Nestled in the eastern part of France, Burgundy is renowned for its exceptional terroir, which yields some of the most exquisite wines ever made. With a legacy steeped in tradition and a commitment to quality, Burgundy stands as a beacon of vinicultural heritage, captivating the heart and palate (and wallets) of wine enthusiasts from around the globe. Unravelling a Long History To truly appreciate Burgundy wines, it's essential to understand their rich history. Dating back centuries, the region's viticultural roots can be traced to the Roman era when vine cultivation flourished along the fertile slopes of Burgundy. However, it was the monastic orders of the Middle Ages that truly cultivated Burgundy's winemaking legacy. Monks, with their meticulous attention to detail and reverence for the land, played a pivotal role in shaping Burgundy's vineyards and refining winemaking techniques. They recognised the unique terroirs scattered throughout the landscape, and set about meticulously categorising and tending to each parcel of land to optimise grape quality and flavour expression. As the Middle Ages gave way to the Renaissance, Burgundy's wines gained international acclaim, coveted by royalty and connoisseurs alike. The Duchy of Burgundy emerged as a cultural and economic powerhouse, with its wines prized for their purity, elegance, and age-worthiness. However, the 19th century brought both triumph and tribulation to Burgundy's winemakers. The phylloxera epidemic devastated vineyards across Europe, including those of Burgundy, leading to widespread destruction and economic hardship. Yet, Burgundian winemakers persevered, replanting vineyards with disease-resistant rootstocks and embracing modern viticultural practices to revive their beloved terroirs. In the 20th century, Burgundy experienced a renaissance of sorts, propelled by a renewed focus on quality and authenticity. Winemakers began to reclaim abandoned vineyards, rediscovering forgotten terroirs and grape varieties. Echoes of Napoleon In the late 15th century, Burgundy's fate became intertwined with that of France, then under monarchical rule. However, the winds of change swept through the land with the French Revolution, reshaping the landscape of Burgundy's vineyards. As part of the revolutionary fervour, the church's vast land holdings were seized and auctioned off to private owners, heralding a new era of ownership and stewardship. Yet, the division of these lands was a complex affair. Implementing the Code Napoléon mandated equal inheritance distribution among heirs, leading to the fragmentation of estates over successive generations. Today, the legacy of this division is evident in Burgundy's vineyards, where châteaux may boast dozens of owners, each holding sway over only a few rows of vines. This intricate web of ownership underscores the unique character of Burgundy's winemaking landscape, where tradition and heritage intersect with the complexities of modern inheritance law. Grapes Galore: The Stars of Burgundy Burgundy is synonymous with two noble grape varieties: Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Pinot Noir, native to Burgundy, flourishes in limestone and clay soils, yielding wines of remarkable complexity. Ranging in colour from cherry to brick, these light-bodied red wines offer delicate red fruit and spicy notes. While Gamay, another red grape, is cultivated in Burgundy, it only constitutes roughly 10% of the vines planted (this may be because in 1395 it was actually once banned, as it was feared it would overtake Pinot Noir given how prolifically it grew). Chardonnay takes centre stage as Burgundy's primary white grape, thriving in Burgundy's marl soil, yielding wines with delicate floral, fruit, and mineral aromas, alongside full-bodied flavours. Aligoté , the region's secondary white grape, accounts for 6% of vineyard cultivation. Burgundy also produces a notable sparkling wine, Crémant de Bourgogne , crafted from a blend of Chardonnay , Pinot Noir, Aligoté and Gamay . This sparkling wine comes in various styles, including blanc, blanc de blancs, blanc de noirs, and rosé. Terroir Terroir Everywhere: Exploring Burgundy's Geographical Diversity One of Burgundy's most captivating features is its patchwork of terroirs, each contributing to the kaleidoscope of flavours found in its wines. Spanning just 150km, the region is divided into distinctive sub-regions, each with its own terroir and characteristics. Chablis and Grand Auxerrois lie in the northwest corner, where the iconic Chablis wines, crafted solely from Chardonnay grapes, are made. Across the Serein River, Petit Chablis offers a lighter alternative, brimming with citrus and floral notes. Meanwhile, Grand Auxerrois boasts diversity across its four areas, from the Chardonnay and Aligoté whites to Pinot Noir and Gamay reds. In the narrow strip from Dijon to Nuits St George, the Côte de Nuits emerges as the powerhouse of red wines, boasting Burgundy's majority of Grand Crus. Yet, it also yields a select few whites and rosés, with its powerful reds standing as global benchmarks of excellence. Nearby, the Côte de Beaune stretches from Ladoix-Serrigny to the Maranges communes, boasting numerous Grand Crus and Premier Cru wines. Notably, Côte de Beaune is home to 7 of the 8 white wine Grand Crus. Further south, the Côte Chalonnaise unfolds with its hilly terrain. Here, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay both reign supreme, complemented by a touch of Aligoté. Notably, Bouzeron stands as the sole appellation dedicated exclusively to white wine from the Aligoté grape. Lastly, nestled between valleys, Mâconnaise spans 22 miles, primarily cultivating Chardonnay grapes with a hint of Gamay. Village to Grand Cru: Let’s Talk Classification Out of all the French wine regions, understanding the wine labels of Burgundy is perhaps the most important. Once you have your vintage and producer clear, there’s the matter of exactly the quality of the vineyard it’s from to decipher. At the top of Burgundy's wine pyramid are the Grand Crus, the crème de la crème, representing just 1.3% of production across 33 designated crus. These wines are like gems, each sip a treasure trove of flavour. Next up are the Premier Crus, a diverse bunch making up 9.3% of Burgundy's wines - always intriguing and full of surprises. Then there are the Village wines, the heart and soul of Burgundy, making up over a third of production. These wines embody the spirit of their villages, each one reflecting the collective spirit of its community of vines. Lastly, there are the Regional wines, the everyday heroes, making up the majority at 51.3% of production. They may not have fancy labels but they are delicious and can offer incredible value. Evolution in Motion: The Changing Styles of Burgundy Wines While Burgundy's winemaking traditions run deep, the region is also marked by a spirit of innovation and evolution. Over the years, winemakers have embraced modern techniques and practices while staying true to the essence of Burgundian winemaking, this is no more evident in the increasing embrace of organic and biodynamic practices throughout the region. This dynamic blend of tradition and innovation has led to the emergence of new styles, fresh talent and concentrated expressions, offering us all the benefits of Burgundy's ever-evolving landscape.

Embarking on your French wine journey is exciting - until you hit your first hurdle, French language and the terroir of it all. However, once you have a few key terms under your belt, you’ll be on your way. Allow us to be your linguistic guides, revealing the nuances of French wine vocabulary from appellation to assemblage. Essential French Wine Terminology Terroir: Our journey commences with "terroir," the soul of French wine. This term encompasses the unique blend of soil, climate, and geography inherent to a vineyard. It imparts distinct characteristics to the grapes, shaping the wine's identity. Appellation: When you encounter an "appellation" on a bottle, it signifies a specific wine-producing region in France. Each appellation adheres to stringent regulations, preserving the heritage and winemaking practices unique to its territory - this can be signified with the AOC mark. Cru: "Cru" designates a vineyard or site renowned for producing exceptional grapes. It stands as a badge of honour, symbolising quality and prestige, often found in the revered wine regions of Burgundy and Bordeaux. Unlocking French Wine Production Techniques Assemblage: This is the art of blending different grape varieties to create a harmonious and balanced wine. The skill of the winemaker shines through in the assemblage, as they select and combine grapes to achieve desired flavors and aromas. Barrique: The term "barrique" refers to small oak barrels used for aging wine. These barrels infuse the wine with subtle oak flavors and contribute to its complexity and texture. Clos: A "clos" is a walled vineyard, typically associated with Burgundy. These enclosed spaces protect the vines from the elements and create a unique microclimate, resulting in wines of exceptional character. Crémant: Crémant is a sparkling wine produced in France using the traditional method, like Champagne. However, it hails from regions outside of Champagne and often offers a more affordable alternative to its renowned counterpart. Blanc de Blancs: Translating to "white from whites," this term signifies a sparkling wine made exclusively from white grape varieties, which in Champagne for example would be Chardonnay. Blanc de Noirs: On the flip side, "blanc de noirs" means "white from blacks," indicating a sparkling wine crafted solely from red grape varieties. To take Champagne again, this would be Pinot Noir and/or Pinot Meunier. Côte: "Côte" denotes a hill or slope in French, and in wine regions, it often implies a prime location for vineyards. Wines from these elevated positions are highly prized for their unique characteristics. Embarking on Your French Wine Odyssey With these fundamental terms and techniques in your arsenal, you're ready to embark on a journey that goes beyond wine tasting—it's a voyage into the heart of French culture, heritage, and the rich heritage of winemaking that spans generations. Come across a term you’re not sure about? Get in touch! The team at Mosaique Wines are here to help demystify French wine and ensure you love what’s in your glass. Would you like to learn more about French wine? Read on: Unravelling the Mystery: Decoding French Wine Labels The Art of French Wine and Food Pairing Organic, Biodynamic, and Natural Wines - What the Difference?

Ah, French wines – they're renowned for their elegance and complexity, but their labels can often seem like a labyrinth of information. Fear not, we're here to guide you through the art of deciphering French wine labels. By the end of this journey, you'll confidently navigate the world of French wine with ease, selecting the perfect bottle for any occasion. Understanding the French Wine Label Understanding the Region: The first clue to unravelling a French wine label is the region. France boasts a multitude of wine regions, each with its unique terroir and grape varieties. Look for terms like Bordeaux, Burgundy, or Rhône Valley, which indicate the wine's origin. The Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée (AOC): Think of the AOC as the gold standard of French wine labels. It certifies that the wine adheres to strict regulations regarding grape varieties, winemaking techniques, and geographical origin. Having said that, some of the most enjoyable wines you’ll find sit outside an AOC, and may be marked as IGP (Indication Geographique Protégée), VDP (Vin de Pays) or Vin de France. These wines may be produced in larger regions with less regulation or are wines made outside the AOC regulations of a region, like a Chardonnay from Bordeaux. Grape Variety: Unlike New World wines that prominently display grape varieties, French labels often prioritise the region. However, some regions, like Alsace, do mention the grape variety on the label, making your job a little easier. Vintage Year: The vintage year indicates when the grapes were harvested and the wine was produced. Knowing the vintage of the wine is essential because it influences the wine's character and quality. A good year can make all the difference. The exceptions to this are Champagne's which are marked as 'NV' or 'non-vintage', as the base wine of these wines are a blend. Cracking the Label Code Let's take an example to put theory into practice: Label: 2018 Clos du Jaugueyron, Margaux 'Nout' Decoded: This wine hails from the Margaux appellation in Bordeaux, a highly regarded appellation. The vintage is 2018, showcasing an exceptional year for Bordeaux wines, and the name of this particular cuveé is 'Nout'. Bonus Tip from Mosaique Wines Don't forget to explore the back label. It can often provide additional information about the winery's history, winemaking techniques, and tasting notes. This can offer valuable insights into the wine's personality and flavour profile. Failing that, you can always jump online and find out more. Deciphering French wine labels may seem like a daunting task, but with a little knowledge you can unlock a world of sipping adventures. Remember to embrace the journey, and don't hesitate to seek advice if you're unsure. Like to find out more about French wine? Read on: The Art of French Wine and Food Pairing Choose the Perfect Wine Glass Every Time Organic, Biodynamic, and Natural Wines - What the Difference?