Thierry Navarre is a bit of an icon in his region of Languedoc. He is widely regarded as one of the most respected natural winemakers in the area, best known for continuing his family’s dedication to resurrecting lost and ancient grape varietals. DOMAINE Thierry Navarre Saint-Chinian, Languedoc Organic Two Star La Revue de Vin de France: “Amongst the elite of the area.” New York Times: "To Find the Best of Languedoc, Follow the Producer" 2019 Jancis Robinson: "Languedoc for terroir-driven bargains" 2004 The story of how Thierry Navarre came to be part of our Mosaique Wines offering is a long one, literally, but we’re so glad we persisted and can bring these wonderful wines to Australia. Thierry Navarre is a producer we have had in our mind for some years. We would check in every year to see if we might get a response but given he spends so much time in the vineyard, and not so much time in front of the phone or computer, it proved a difficult task. Finally, we saw a chance in March 2023 - Thierry would be at the La Dive a Bouteille Wine Fair, and so would Thomas on a flying trip to France. The trip was almost accounted for by the minute, and as the morning of the wine fair ticked by, Thierry was nowhere to be seen and Thomas needed to leave to go to another wine fair. Of course, just as Thomas was leaving, Thierry arrives already in deep conversation with someone else. Long story short, Thomas decides to be late (not a big drama for the French), and stay until he can finally meet Thierry - an encounter years in the making and instantly worth the wait. Thierry Navarre is a bit of an icon in his region of Languedoc. He is widely regarded as one of the most respected natural winemakers in the area, and his wines are celebrated for their depth, complexity, and terroir-driven flavours. Without question, Navarre is best known for continuing his family’s dedication to promoting diversity of grape varietals in the region, resurrecting lost and ancient grape varietals - most of which are lower in alcohol. Taking over from over the domaine's vineyards in 1988, Navarre is a man who lives in his vines - a patch of 15ha based in and around the picturesque village of Roquebrun (which incidentally is set to become a grand cru of Saint-Chinian). His vineyards are farmed organically and filled with a role call of both popular and yet to be discovered varieties including Œillades, Ribeyrenc, Syrah, Cinsault, Grenache noir, Carignan, Romorantin, Clairette, Grenache gris, Marsanne, Terret and Muscat à petit grains blanc. These vines have a southwest exposure, and combined with soils composed of loose brown schist, generally produce lighter, mineral driven, delicate, more elegant styles compared to the wines from further south in Saint-Chinian. His lower alcohol (11%) and brighter ‘Le Vin d’Oeillades’ (Cinsault’s cousin) and ‘Le Ribeyrenc’ are French sommelier favourites and considered a ‘best kept secret’. The grapes are hand harvested, with some fully or partially destemmed. Following a natural fermentation in cement tanks, some of the cuvees are vinified traditionally, while others are vinified with carbonic maceration. Ageing occurs in a mix of tanks, old 228 litre and 500 litre barrels and foudre for 12 months. The resulting wines are unfined, yet they are filtered and have low sulphur. Navarre’s intuition for winemaking and passion for history translate into wines sought out by true wine lovers, a discovery not to be missed that we couldn’t be more excited to share! Shop wines Quick View 2022 Domaine Thierry Navarre Vin de France 'Lignieres'white Price $56.00 GST Included Quick View 2021 Domaine Thierry Navarre Saint-Chinian 'Laouzil' red Price $58.00 GST Included Quick View 2021 Domaine Thierry Navarre Vin de France 'Ribeyrenc' red Out of stock Quick View 2022 Domaine Thierry Navarre Vin de France 'Vin d’Oeillades' red Price $48.00 GST Included

Kevin and Fabien Garon farmed organically their vineyards and produce a range of spectacular Cotes du Rhone, IGP Collines Rhodaniennes Syrah, Cote Rotie, Saint Joseph as well as Condrieu and IGP Viognier. Domaine garon Cote-Rotie, Cotes du Rhone Organic non-certified We can all agree, Cote-Rotie in northern Rhone is one of, if not the spiritual home of Syrah. The Garon family certainly thinks so, having based themselves here, in Ampuis, since the 15th century. The family patriach Jean Garon was born here in 1475, battling hard times and growing grapes for a merchant (Guigal), along with farming fruit. Fast forward a few centuries to 1982, when Jean François and Carmen Garon replanted vines in the abandoned slopes of Cote-Rotie. "It wasn't bad for the vineyards to rest a hundred years between plantings" according to, Jean-Francois! In 2003, Jean-Francois' sons Kevin and Fabien joined the estate, taking the wines to yet another level. Kevin said “every year, the wine is different. A vintage is often full of memories, a bottle always captures a little bit of the story. In the Cote Rotie more than anywhere we can say that the wine is made in the vineyard, in the middle of the steep and dangerous terraces.” With about 8.3 hectares, the Garons farm the land organically and even use the horse. Weeding, like most of the vineyard work, is done by hand. This care taken in the vineyard is reflected in wines of great expression and personality. There is no over extraction, with gentle and long vinification bringing finesse. They are seeking a more Burgundian style of Côte-Rôtie. Cotes du Rhone “La Part des Vivants” A name which means the wine left for us to drink after the angel share. The grapes come from Ampuis area, declassified Cru Cairanne and also Rasteau fruits. Mostly de-stemmed, traditional vinification. 70% Syrah, 20% Grenache, 10% Carignan. Aged in very old barrels of 228 litres. Low sulphur. Black fruits, concentrated wild berries, spices, dark chocolate and a slight earthiness. Beautiful acidity and pure with a saline finish. “Les Grandes Parcelles” IGP Collines Rhodaniennes 100% Syrah, affectionately referred to as ababy Cote Rotie, sometimes including an amount of declassified fruit. Hand harvested, followed by traditional vinification. Elegant, intense with dark cherry, small berries, fine tannins, long balanced finish. La Sybarine A blend of 25 year old Syrah from plots on decomposed granite from the “Cote Rotie Blond area” (Lieu dit Goutay and Mollard). Handpicked, temperature controlled ferment ans roughly 80% destemmed. Daily punching down and pumping over during alcoholic fermentation, followed by 15 days maceration and 14 months in old French oak barrels. Aromas of blackberry and strawberry with violet, citrus notes as well as grilled bacon. Vibrant fruit on the palate, with rich and round with lush red fruits and blood orange notes lifted by good acidity. Approachable power, the finish is long with deep red fruit ending with a dark earthy minerality. Drink young and over the next ten years. The Garon also farm: Les Triotes (schist blond area), Les Rochins (Brune area next to La Landonne), Lancement and delicious white IGP Viognier and impressive Condrieu. "As I wrote last year, the running of Domaine Garon has passed largely to sons Kévin and Fabien Garon, who came on board at the domaine starting in 2003. While quality was reliable in the 2000s, since 2010, everything appears to have been on a steady upward trajectory, with the 2015 being the finest wines I've tasted from the estate, and magical wines produced in both 2017 and 2018. Lovers of pure, classical Côte Rôtie need to get on this estate's bandwagon ASAP!" - Jeb Dunnuck . Red grape: Syrah White grape: Viognier domainegaron.fr Shop wines Quick View 2022 Domaine Garon, Hermitage 'Colysee' red Price $190.00 GST Included Quick View 2022 Domaine Garon, Crozes-Hermitage 'Around the Rhone' red Price $75.00 GST Included Quick View 2020 Domaine Garon, AOC Cote-Rotie 'Les Triotes' Price $159.00 GST Included Quick View 2021 Domaine Garon, AOC Condrieu 'La Vieille Maison' Price $139.00 GST Included Load More

Mosaique Wines imports & distributes accross Australia a mosaic of artisanal French wines, from talented growers in Champagne, Alsace, Burgundy, Jura, Beaujolais, Rhone, Roussillon, Bordeaux, Loire as well as from lesser-known South-West of France where our family domaine is established since 1778. about us FROM THE SOIL TO THE GLASS FROM THE SOIL TO THE GLASS A mosaic of wines with a sense of place. SUSTAINABLE GROWERS SUSTAINABLE GROWERS Farming sustainably, respecting nature. OUR FAMILY VINEYARD OUR FAMILY VINEYARD Chai Saint Etienne, our roots in France. Mosaique Wines imports and distributes artisanal wines from France. We travel extensively throughout the country each year to bring you a collection of wines that reflect the heart and soul of this land- a mosaic of small and beautiful parts that make a bigger picture. Each wine has been hand-selected for the unique qualities it expresses, lovingly made by local producers who dedicated their lives to their craft. These producers respect the land they farm above all else, using sustainable, organic or biodynamic techniques to nourish their vines and the ecosystem around them. We have endeavoured to tell their stories in the hope you can envisage yourself sharing a glass with these characters, and enjoying the fruits of their labour. As a direct importer we aim to deliver fair pricing and to help you discover some of France's rising vignerons. We are very lucky to have a strong connection with our roots in the South-West of France with Thomas' family vineyard, Domaine Chai Saint Etienne. Our wines are made to be opened, shared and enjoyed in good company. Santé! direct from the vineyard to your glass Getting our wines to you in the best possible condition is paramount. It all starts with sustainably, organically or biodynamically farmed grapes coming from unique terroirs. Our wines must express and respect their sense of place. Like Thomas' family vineyard, our producers are family owned, small businesses run by real artisans. They work with local grapes, low intervention winemaking and minimal sulfites. The selection process is rigorous, and each vintage is tasted prior to import. Once selected, our wines are shipped by sea, temperature controlled to avoid any alteration of the wine. This type of transport is chosen to ensure quality is maintained from the vineyard to you. Once they arrive, our warehouse keeps the wine in optimal storage conditions - nothing less than the best!

Now in its fifth generation, sisters Juliette and Caroline are a dynamic duo firmly at the helm of the 9.5ha of vines in Savigny-Les-Beaune, composed mostly of 40 to 60 years old vines. They are proudly continuing the family commitment to producing quality Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, considered as some of the best ‘under the radar’ wines from the Côte de Beaune. DOMAINE LOUIS CHENU & FILLES Savigny Les Beaune, Burgundy Organic When first buying parcels of vines in Savigny-les-Beaune, Burgundy in 1914, Louis Chenu began a family winemaking dynasty. Now in its fifth generation, sisters Juliette and Caroline are a dynamic duo firmly at the helm of the 9.5ha of vines, composed mostly of 40 to 60 years old vines. They are proudly continuing the family commitment to producing quality Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, considered as some of the best ‘under the radar’ wines from the Côte de Beaune. From humble beginnings largely selling grapes to negociants, the Domaine and indeed the terroir of Savigny-les-Beaune are now making a splash. It all starts with respect for the organic certified vineyards, working the vines as the season demands - never too much, never too little. When the time comes, grape sorting occurs on the vines, before they are hand harvested and bought into the winery. From here, the winemaking process doesn’t deviate too much from tradition, starting with de-stemming and crushing of the grapes and cold-macerated for a few days, which are then trodden down on a daily basis. The wines then go through a natural fermentation with native yeasts, and are aged in the cellar for over 18 months. The process for the white wines includes immediate pressing, racking and then stored in barrels for fermentation. Unlike the red wines, the white wines are then filtered before bottling (which occurs a year later). The result of this care in the vineyard and observance of tradition in the winery results in wines truly reflecting their place - the Premier Crus of Savigny-les-Beaune. These include “Aux Clous”, “Les Hauts-Jarrons”, “Les Lavières” or “Les Talmettes” wines, along with a rare white Savigny-les-Beaune Village wine. Chenu’s wines are pretty and elegant, they are truly great value Burgundy! Shop wines Quick View 2022 Domaine Louis Chenu & Filles Savigny-Les-Beaune Vieilles Vignes Price $116.00 GST Included Quick View 2022 Domaine Louis Chenu & Filles Savigny-Les-Beaune 1er 'Haut Jarrons' Price $136.00 GST Included Quick View 2021 Domaine Louis Chenu & Filles Savigny-Les-Beaune 1er 'Les Talmettes' Price $121.00 GST Included Quick View 2021 Domaine Louis Chenu et Filles Bourgogne blanc 'Les Bruchots' Price $85.00 GST Included Load More

Today, Domaine Bonnardot is farmed organically, Ludovic believes this approach is key to revealing the best nuances of each site across 18 appellations and 50 plots, along with the practice of natural vinification with no addition of sulfur or oenological products during vinification and low to no addition at bottling. Their vineyards are located in Hautes Côtes de Beaune, Santenay, Maranges, Pommard, Chassagne Montrachet and Puligny Montrachet. DOMAINE LUDOVIC BONNARDOT Côte de Beaune, Burgundy Organic There are not too many teenagers who would choose to spend their days in the vineyard, let alone experimenting on their grandfather’s grapes with natural winemaking. But then again, Ludovic Bonnardot was not your average teenager. Burgundian born and bred, Ludovic now guides the winemaking at the family estate - Domaine Bonnardot, taking over from his parents in 2006. The estate covers 15-hectares with two operations: one centered in Santenay, the wine-growing focuses on Côte de Beaune and Hautes-Côtes de Beaune appellations, while blackcurrants (cassis), asparagus and cereals are grown in Bonnencontre near the family home, just south of Dijon. The polyculture approach is a reflection of the long heritage of winemaking in the family, which dates back to 1470. Throughout the centuries, it was (and arguably still is) essential to have year-round agricultural output to spread the risk of crop failure and ensure a source of income for the family. Ludovic’s interest in natural winemaking at an early age was influenced by his mother Elisabeth, the Domaine’s winemaker while he was growing up. Elisabth graduated her enology studies in Beaune, studying alongside and eventually interning with Jules Chauvet - who is considered to be the father of natural winemaking. As a result, Elisabeth’s approach to winemaking was very much shaped by Chauvet, and she began to practice more natural approaches to her winemaking with her Burgundies. Today, Domaine Bonnardot is farmed organically, with the conversion starting when Ludovic returned to the family lands after graduating his winemaking education. Ludovic believes this approach is key to revealing the best nuances of each site across 18 appellations and 50 plots, along with the practice of natural vinification with no addition of sulfur or oenological products during vinification and low to no addition at bottling. The vineyards include Hautes Côtes de Beaune ‘En Chaignot’ and ‘Sur Evelle’, Bourgogne Côte d’Or ‘Clos Botaveaux’ Monopole, Bourgogne Aligoté, Santenay ’Saint Jean’, Santenay 1er cru ‘Clos Rousseau’, Maranges ‘Sur le Bois’, Pommard, Chassagne Montrachet and Puligny Montrachet 1er ‘La Garenne’, with vineyards average age of 45 years old. Before the beginning of Spring, natural fertiliser made from vegetal or animal matter is added to the soils to bring life. Then all the vines are plowed to encourage the decomposition of the organic matter and aeration of the earth. From here until vintage, Ludovic and his brother Emilien tend to the vines with debudding, relevage and trimming. Once vintage arrives, plots are harvested by hand at their best maturity and bought into the winery for hand sorting. Vinification of the white grapes includes slowly pressing the whole bunches, with the must then put into oak barrels for a 12-18 month fermentation. The fermentations are natural, with no addition of sulfur or addition of oenological product. After natural settling in the barrel and light filtration, the whites are ready for bottling. The red wines range between 30% and 100% whole bunch inclusion, with the berries macerated in oak tanks between 20 and 180 days. Again there is no addition of sulfur or product, and fermentation occurs with indigenous yeast. After the pressurage the wines are put into oak barrels for up to 12 - 18 months aging. The reds are not fined or filtered before bottling, with low or no addition of sulfur. This sometimes generates a light deposit however doesn’t alter the quality of the wine. Domaine Bonnardot wines are fresh, vibrant and pure, reflecting the considered approach to farming and vinification to ensure transparency of place. We love how they express each site with a very minimal extraction or oak influence. Most of all we appreciate the rare value for money these wines offer - something we don’t see much of in Burgundy these days. We’ll drink to that! Shop wines Quick View 2021 Domaine Ludovic Bonnardot Santenay 1er Cru « Clos Rousseau" red Price $134.00 GST Included Quick View 2021 Domaine Ludovic Bonnardot Maranges 'Sur le bois' Price $78.00 GST Included Quick View 2020 Domaine Ludovic Bonnardot Santenay rouge Out of stock Quick View 2018 Domaine Ludovic Bonnardot Bourgogne Côte d'Or 'Clos Botaveau' orange wine Price $94.00 GST Included Load More

In 1989, Davenne's journey in Chablis started, working for one of the region's star producers during 17 years, she gained an intimate knowledge of Chablis unique terroir and understanding of vintage styles. Then in 2005, Davenne set off on her own path to producing fantastic Chablis wines. clotilde davenne Chablis, Burgundy Organic non-certified Meeting Clotilde Davenne and trying all her wines from the Petit Chablis to her best Grand Cru vineyards made things very clear: she knows what she is doing. Clotilde was not from a wine family; her father was a humble farmer near the Morvan mountains. She learned how to make wine at school in 1986 and later travelled to California for vintage. In 1989, Davenne's journey in Chablis started, working for one of the region's star producers: Jean-Marc Brocard. During a incredible 17 years with mentor Brocard, she gained an intimate knowledge of unique terroir and understanding of vintage styles. Then in 2005, Davenne set off on her own path, starting with the 1.9-hectare plot of Petit Chablis called “Les Temps Perdu” (which mean the lost time). Despite locals telling her that this land was a waste of time, Davenne knew this vineyard had potential. The vines were lying on Kimmeridgian soils just like AOC Chablis terroir, only called “Petit” because of its exposition to the North. With growing self confidence, she started putting together a patchwork of vineyard expressing different grapes and terroirs, one plot of land at a time. It now includes a mosaic of beautiful vineyards: Bourgogne AOC, Petit Chablis, Chablis, Chablis 1er Cru (Vaucoupin, Montmains, Fourchaume, Vaillons) and Chablis Grand Cru (Bougros, Les Clos, Blanchots), as well as 100 year old Sauvignon Blanc from Saint-Bris and Pinot Noir from Irancy. Her gamble paid off, becoming one of Chablis rising stars thanks to her hard work and the purity of her wines. Clotilde was hugely honoured to be included in Jancis Robinson and Hugh Johnson 's "The World Atlas of Wine" for one of her best vineyards: Montmains 1er Cru Chablis. Now Davenne's 40 year old Chablis vines are located in the village of Courgis, south of Chablis. The vineyard is sheltered from winds, on a steep slope of Kimmeridgian with soil, peppered with fossilised oysters from when the sea covered the Paris basin150 million years ago. Clotilde farms her vineyard naturally, without the use of chemicals, with almost all of her production is harvested by hand. You won't find any oak barrel in her cellars however, as Clotilde is a big believer of stainless steel vinification for her Chablis, focusing on purity and terroir expression. All Davenne's wines undergo malolactic fermentation for complexity, with use of the lunar calendar for racking and bottling, then light filtration. White grapes: Chardonnay, Aligoté, Sauvignon Blanc Red grape: Pinot Noir clotildedavenne.fr Shop wines Quick View 2021 Domaine Clotilde Davenne, AOC Chablis 1er Cru Beauregard Price $136.00 GST Included Quick View 2022 Domaine Clotilde Davenne, AOC Bourgogne Aligote Vieilles Vignes Price $54.00 GST Included Quick View 2021 Domaine Clotilde Davenne, AOC Chablis 1er Cru Mont du Milieu Price $136.00 GST Included Quick View 2022 Domaine Clotilde Davenne, AOC Chablis 'Vieilles Vignes' Price $94.00 GST Included Load More

Domaine Labranche Laffont is living proof that a tannic beast can be tamed by a woman’s touch. The wines of Madiran are often thought of as robust, with the Tannat grape throwing its significant weight around the palate. Christine Dupuy was a game changer in the region. Domaine Labranche Laffont Madiran & Pacherenc du Vic Bilh, South-West France Organic certified Domaine Labranche Laffont is living proof that a tannic beast can be tamed by a woman’s touch. The wines of Madiran are often thought of as robust, with the Tannat grape throwing its significant weight around the palate. Enter Christine Dupuy, a game changer in the region, with a mission to fight the Tannat stereotype. Dupuy took over Domaine Labranche Laffont in 1993, becoming the youngest female winemaker in the region. The vineyard, located in the small commune of Maumusson-Laguian, has grown from 6 to 20 hectares under Dupuy’s guidance, with organically grown native varieties- including Tannat, Gros Manseng and Petit Manseng as well as Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon. The estate is known as the keeper of hidden gems, as Christine is one of two winemakers in Madiran to own Tannat vines that date back to the pre-phylloxera era at the end of the 19th century (1870's). Trust us; they are a big, gnarly deal. The vines benefit from the silty clay and limestone soils, along with south - southeast facing, gentle hillsides around the domaine. The vineyard is certified 'ecocert', with Christine working mostly by hand in the vineyard. Soils are ploughed in Spring and Autumn; vines are fertilised using compost in the Autumn, and grass is left to grow between every second vine. Grapes are hand-harvested at perfect ripeness, before being sorted and de-stemmed. Fermentation is conducted in a temperature controlled vat with gentle pumping over for the reds. Malolactic and ageing occurs in old barrel, with a focus on minimal sulphites and lightly filtered (unfined) bottling. The red Madiran is deep, with aromas of spices, leather, and dark chocolate. The palate brings ripe, soft fruits and liquorice, and an elegant framework with fine tannins. It’s safe to say Dupuy has nailed her aim to produce approachable, elegant Tannat. These wines, much like their maker, have a natural ability to charm and leave you with a smile. Red grapes: Tannat, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon Whites grapes: Petit Manseng, Gros Manseng facebook.com/Domaine-Labranche-Laffont Shop wines Quick View 2012 Domaine Labranche Laffont, AOC Madiran 'Prephylloxerique’ Price $179.00 GST Included Quick View 2020 Domaine Labranche Laffont, AOC Madiran 'Vieilles Vignes’ Price $68.00 GST Included Quick View 2021 Domaine Labranche Laffont, Vin de France ‘Tan Nat’ Price $47.00 GST Included Quick View 2020 Domaine Labranche Laffont, AOC Pacherenc du Vic Bilh dry Price $56.00 GST Included Load More

Importer and distributor of organic, biodynamic and sustainable French wines from Champagne, Burgundy, Beaujolais, Bordeaux and beyond. maps of france

His mother passed on her passion and know-how to Vincent, who is nothing short of a true perfectionist. In the vineyard or the cellar, he aims for nothing less than excellence. Couche, quite simply put, is very intimate with his vineyard thanks to biodynamic farming. champagne vincent couche Côte des Bar, Champagne Biodynamic certified The South of Champagne has often been lost to the shining, bigger houses which dominate the north. But, if you game to venture just two hours south from Epernay, and only 1 hour from Chablis, you'll find the incredible wines of Côte des Bar. Here, fortune favours the brave, as the unique mineral style of its Champagne and the attitude of its winegrowers become equally enchanting. Once you go Bar, you never go back. It is here in the lesser-known and authentic "south" you'll find Vincent Couche - grower, vigneron, artisan. His mother passed on her passion and know-how to Vincent, who is nothing short of a true perfectionist. In the vineyard or the cellar, he aims for nothing less than excellence. Couche, quite simply put, is very intimate with his vineyard. He knows each vine, each plot of land, each slope, farming all 13 hectares biodynamically cross two terroirs: Buxeuil and Montguex. Buxeuil covers 10 hectares, with mostly Pinot Noir around the village where his cave is located, with steep slopes overlooking the Seine river. Soils are composed of limestone-clay and marl-clay according to each parcel, with high density to increase competition between the vines, resulting in berries with better maturity and flavour profile. His second terroir is in Montgueux Chardonnay kingdom, 48 min north-west near Troyes, with 3 hectares of Chardonnay on chalk dating back from the Cretaceous period. . Vincent continuously studies the needs of his vines, supplying the energy they need using only biodynamic treatments. His preparations include medicinal plant treatments, cow-horn manure, pulverisation of crystallised silica and natural compost. His aim through biodynamic farming is to express the richness and complexity of his land to its full potential. Harvest is strictly by hand, sorted directly in the vineyard, with only ripe and healthy berries reaching the cellar to be pressed. Alcoholic fermentation uses only natural yeast, followed by vinification with little or no sulphites in partial or full barrel. Shop wines Quick View 1999 Champagne Vincent Couche, 'Sensation' Brut MAGNUM Price $890.00 GST Included Quick View NV Vincent Couche, Ratafia 'Pinot de Buxeuil' fortified Price $98.00 GST Included Quick View 2004 Champagne Vincent Couche ‘Millesime’ MAGNUM Price $568.00 GST Included Quick View 2020 Domaine Vincent Couche Bourgogne blanc 'Terre de Molesme' white Price $93.00 GST Included Load More

Just 30 mins north of Toulouse, some of France’s rarest vines are painstakingly nursed back from extinction by husband and wife team Diane and Philippe Cauvin. The pair is living their dream, crafting wines from a regional variety: Negrette, which is native to their area of Fronton. chateau la colombiere Fronton, South-West France Biodynamic certified Just 30 mins north of Toulouse, some of France’s rarest vines are painstakingly nursed back from extinction by husband and wife team Diane and Philippe Cauvin. The pair is living their dream, crafting wines from a regional variety: Negrette, which is native to their area of Fronton. Diane took the reigns of the family estate after learning viticulture and completing a tour de force throughout French vineyards including Burgundy. The first and perhaps the most significant change was to step up the effort to preserve these rare vines by farming Chateau La Colombiere biodynamically in 2006. As the vines have been cultivated here in the same way since the 15th century, this was a significant change, to say the least. Add to this hand picking and sorting and you get the base to create something delicious. Terroir is composed mostly of gravel and sandy alluvial soils part of the Tarn river terraces. Colombiere's 25 years old vines share the space with some fantastic 70 year old Negrette vines. Every biodynamic preparation is prepared and dynamised on site, with the focus placed on activating life in the soils by using weeds, cereal cover and ploughing. The Cauvin's prefer a 'hands-off' winemaking style, considering their efforts are best directed at the vineyard. In the cellar, they use gravity to preserve the quality of the grapes.The grapes are hand harvested and hand sorted. For reds, grapes are then partially de-stemmed and lightly crushed before moving straight into cement vats. Diane and Philippe will maintain that it’s not rocket science. We think they’re pretty special though, and can drink these fresh and floral wines morning, noon and night…(responsibly). Red grapes: Négrette White grapes: Chenin, Bouysselet, Sauvignon Blanc chateaulacolombiere.com Shop wines Quick View 2021 La Colombiere, VDF 'Bande de Brutes' pet nat brut nature Price $48.00 GST Included Quick View 2020 La Colombiere, AOC Fronton 'Coste rouge' red Price $56.00 GST Included Quick View 2020 La Colombiere, Vin de France 'A Fleur de Peau' orange wine Price $56.00 GST Included Quick View 2020 La Colombiere, Vin de France 'Le Grand B' white Price $78.00 GST Included Load More

Throughout the year, we team up with a number of our wonderful restaurant and wine bar partners around Australia to deliver french wine tastings – keep your eye on our social media, or subscribe to our newsletter for upcoming events. events Let us pour you a drink… We love nothing more than to meet French wine fans (and those yet to be converted), and tell you a little more about our wines in person. Throughout the year, we team up with a number of our wonderful restaurant and wine bar partners around Australia to deliver tastings – keep your eye on our social media, or subscribe to our newsletter for upcoming events. You can also find us at many French festivals, such as the Alliance Francaise Christmas Markets and Bastille Day events in Melbourne each year. We are also pleased to offer private tastings and corporate packages, tailored to suit your needs. Please contact us for more information. No events at the moment

Julien's winemaking philosophy centres on showcasing the potential of lesser-known appellations. He champions the under-appreciated, crafting wines that reflect the unique terroirs of 9 appellations including Nuits Saint Georges ‘Aux St Jacques’, Bouzeron, Hautes Cotes de Nuits, Puligny Montrachet 1er Cru ‘Hameau de Blagny’, Savigny les Beaune, Auxey-Duresses 1er Cru 'Le Bas des Duresses' and Ladoix. These vines equate to a small domaine covering approximately 4.5 hectares farmed organically. Domaine Cruchandeau Burgundy Organic It is not everyday one must choose between the life in the vines and that of a touring electronic music artist, however this is the story of Julien Cruchandeau. Nestled in the heart of Burgundy, where the terroir whispers stories of tradition and excellence, Domaine Cruchandeau emerges as a testament to the marriage of passion and craftsmanship. Born in Chenôve in 1978, Julien's journey into winemaking unfolded organically, leading him to become one of Burgundy's most talented winemakers of his generation. Despite lacking a winemaking lineage, Julien's early fascination with taste, aromas, and flavours led him to pursue a culinary path. Graduating with a specialisation in hospitality in 1997, he embarked on a journey through high-end establishments in France and England, including a stint as a waiter in a prestigious London brasserie. It was here that he delved into the intricate world of global cuisines and wines. Returning to Burgundy in 2000, Julien pursued a two-year course in oenology and viticulture while gaining practical experience at Domaine Seguin in Gevrey-Chambertin. By 2001, at the young age of 23, he assumed the role of estate manager and winemaker at Domaine France Lechenault in Bouzeron. Overseeing the entire winemaking process, Julien's efforts caught the attention of wine critics, with his name featured in the Guide Hachette in 2002, along with winning a gold award at the Concours des vins de la Côte Chalonnaise in 2005. In 2003, Julien established Domaine Cruchandeau, procuring his initial vines in the lesser-known Bouzeron appellation and invested in all the essential winemaking equipment. Having already conquered one underdog, and seeking to expand his land under vine, he moved to the Hautes Cotes de Nuits in 2007, settling in the village of Chaux. Perhaps controversial at the time, the move turned out to be a stroke of genius given growing conditions are increasingly favourable toward the higher slopes of Burgundy. Throughout this time, Julien's artistic journey extended beyond winemaking; he co-founded the Shrink Orchestra, showcasing his talents as an electronic music artist. This adventure, spanning from 2004 to 2010, included around 200 concerts across Europe and the creation of his record label, Guls Records. However, in 2010, Julien chose the secateurs over the drumsticks, devoting his career to winemaking. Julien's winemaking philosophy centres on showcasing the potential of lesser-known appellations. He champions the under-appreciated, crafting wines that reflect the unique terroirs of 9 appellations including Nuits Saint Georges ‘Aux St Jacques’, Bouzeron, Hautes Cotes de Nuits, Puligny Montrachet 1er Cru ‘Hameau de Blagny’, Savigny les Beaune, Auxey-Duresses 1er Cru 'Le Bas des Duresses' and Ladoix. These vines equate to a small domaine covering approximately 4.5 hectares, with Julien's artisanal approach and meticulous attention to detail shining through. His commitment to organic farming is the centrepiece of his approach, eschewing chemical fertilisers since 2011. Harvesting is carried out later in the season, and by hand to ensure only the finest grapes reach the winery. The wines are made as naturally as possible with indigenous yeasts fermentation, following traditional methods while applying a few modern winemaking techniques, including temperature control. Maturation is undergone for 8 to 18 months, depending on the vintage, in vats or old French oak barrels with some lees aging for whites and not too much batonnage. Reds are vinified with light infusion including foot crushing for 3 to 6 weeks and some 50% whole bunches to no whole bunches depending on the cuvee and the vintage. The wines are bottled after a light filtration, except for the Nuits-Saint-Georges, which remains unfiltered. A standout feature of Julien's winemaking journey is his dedication to the often-overlooked grape variety, Aligoté. His Bouzeron 'Massale' and Hautes Cotes de Nuits Aligote wines exemplify the potential of this grape, with the former gifted by the godfather of Burgundy himself, Aubert De Villaine in a joint effort to shine a light on Bouzeron. Today with the collective ‘Les Aligoteurs’ lead by famous vignerons such as Sylvain Pataille, Julien Cruchandeau and his friends are making Aligoté shine. Julien's wines, characterised by their aromatic, depth, purity, and pretty qualities, have positioned him as one of the region’s most exceptional winemakers. His ability to unlock the potential of lesser-known appellations highlights both his skill and unwavering commitment to Burgundy's rich winemaking heritage. For lovers of Burgundy, and the underdog, these are wines truly worth seeking out. Shop Wines Quick View 2022 Domaine Cruchandeau Bourgogne Aligoté 'Champ de Chene' white Out of stock Quick View 2022 Domaine Cruchandeau Saint Aubin 1er Cru 'L'Amendier' white Price $172.00 GST Included Quick View 2022 Domaine Cruchandeau Auxey Duresses 1er Cru 'Bas des Duresses' red Price $179.00 GST Included Quick View 2022 Domaine Cruchandeau Nuits Saint Georges 'Aux Saints Jacques' red Price $179.00 GST Included Load More