The Vina Unica Cabernet Franc stands out with its oak influence, presenting a ripe, expressive, and style that the exceptional of Cabernet Franc with the Gualallary terroir.

Tasting Notes

Generous ripe prune and blackberry jam on the nose and palate. It is elegantly balanced with high vibrant acidity and very velvety tannins. It extra layers of complexity with a gentleaceous and graphite undertone, lingering in a long, savoury finish.

Vintage

2022 was a long and dry growing season of outstanding quality. Veering on the cooler side of average temperatures, yields were still plentiful, and grapes achieved ideal
ripeness throughout a very long cycle. Rainfall was limited, but abundant glacial water and sporadic showers were timed perfectly to help the vine’s balance. After cooler autumn and ideal growing conditions in February and March, we were able to produce wines with remarkable quality.

Fermented in concrete vats, and aged for 12 months in used oak French barrels.

History

It was the year 2002 when a group of friends decided to invest in Argentina. They knew little about wine production, but all were passionate wine lovers and excited about the vision of bringing Argentine wines to the world stage. They bought the land that would become Finca Ambrosia and set about turning their idea into reality. At this time, the Gualtallary district began to attract the interest of wine producers, primarily because of its outstanding soil and climate characteristics. Encouraged by the positive forecasts, the friends bought 3 more plots over the years, from which the current winery emerged. Today, Gualtallary is considered the best terroir for producing premium wines in the province of Mendoza.

Specifications

A very delicate Pinotage from the Black Sea shores

Tasting Notes

In aroma, there is a combination of ripe red berries and chocolate with saturated taste, where ripe strawberries and plums dominate. Red berries, raisins, spices and even marshmallow could be found on a palate.

History

They grow in a unique place, on Cape Beykush, the shores of which are washed on one side by the Berezansky estuary, and on the other by the Beykush Bay.  Beykush vineyards are 11 hectares of French and Italian clones of white varieties - Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Rkatsiteli and red - Pinot Noir, Merlot, Saperavi, Cabernet Sauvignon.

In addition, it is an experimental vineyard with white Telti Kuruk, Alvarinho, Timoraso and red Tempranillo, Malbec, Pinotage

Vinification

The grapes are handpicked, crushed and then transferred into temperature controlled stainless steel tanks where fermentation takes place at low temperatures in order to preserve the fruitiness of the future wine. The young wine is left for 5 more months in the same vats for ageing.

Accolades

• 2024 Bronze World Wine Awards - Decanter

Specifications

‘The Convert’ – this might the wine to convert more of your friends to organic! 

Tasting Notes

On the nose, it is ripe and vibrant with fresh blackcurrant and blueberry, accompanied by a faint herbal, almost seaweed character. The bundles of freshness on the palate make this Syrah a true pleasure to drink. Textural, this is a wine that exceeds expectations.

History

El Convertido loosely translates to 'the converter' and tells the story of La Mancha, the world's largest wine region, which is gradually transitioning to a more sustainable future. The conditions are ideal for organic viticulture and that is what family business De Haan Altés wants to show with this Syrah

Specifications

 A light playful Rose Wine - Just have time to watch what is happening in the glass and cut the cheese or ham.

Tasting Notes

Light and playful-berry wine, produces strawberries with cream, raspberries, lollipops. And in the aftertaste – cherries, rose petals  and healthy gooseberries

Producer

They grow in a unique place, on Cape Beykush, the shores of which are washed on one side by the Berezansky estuary, and on the other by the Beykush Bay.

Beykush vineyards are 11 hectares of French and Italian clones of white varieties - Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Rkatsiteli and red - Pinot Noir, Merlot, Saperavi, Cabernet Sauvignon.

In addition, it is an experimental vineyard with white Telti Kuruk, Alvarinho, Timoraso and red Tempranillo, Malbec, Pinotage.

According to legend, Artania is an ancient country in the northern Black Sea region. We named a series of wines, the taste of which reflects the style of the Beykush vinery. We mix wines from different varieties and vineyards in one cuvee. As a result, bright and delicious wine that cannot be replicated in any other region

Awards

2024 - Decanter World Wine Awards - Silver

Specifications

A distinctive wine has recently enjoyed a revival in popularity, while always remaining a cherished choice among connoisseurs.

Tasting Notes

A nice blend of citrus fruit and minerality with a very light touch of toasty oak.

Production

Manual harvest, pressing of the whole grapes, ageing for 12 months in oak barrels with stirring the lees and topping up of the barrels to prevent oxiadtion. About 5-10% of the oak is new.

Producer

Jean Berthet-Bondet has been working his land since 1984.

With a humble 15 hectares of 30 year old vines, this estate may well be small but it is steeped in history and heritage. Half of Jean's land is in the Château Chalon appellation which is home to the Savagnin grape, renowned for making the revered Vin Jaune. A unique wine that has seen a resurgence of popularity in recent years, but has always been appreciated by the knowledgeable few.

Specifications

 Inspired by the fanciful tales of Pierre Renard and his father, .......

Tasting Notes

The 2023 is a blend of Muscat, Vermentino, Marsanne & Sauvignon Blanc. Light yellowcolour with some green reflections. The nose has young citrus fruit notes, and fresh white flowers. Dry with lovely freshness to it, the lemon citrus notes open out with fresh mint sensations and beautiful acidity on the finish.

Production

From approximately 20 year old vines from vines planted at around 4,000 vines per ha on selected plots on clay and limestone soils in the area of Comté Tolosan around Toulouse in Gascony. This area benefits hugely from the influence of the Atlantic, giving freshness and acidity and making it perfect for white wine production.

The grapes are picked at night and undergo a six hours skin-contact extracting as much of as possible of the precious components. After a gentle pressing, the fermentation is carried out at cold temperature enhancing the subtle fruit flavors. Finally, a three months ageing on its fine lees.

Producer

Pierre et Papa is a compact range of high quality whites, reds and rosés made from grapes sourced throughout Southern France. With packaging influenced by old advertising ephemera, Pierre et Papa's nostalgic feel is very much in tune with the desire to seek out honest value.

Specifications

Make no mistake, we are in world class territory. Robert Parker compared the sweet wines of Tirecul as the most notable sweet wines from anywhere in the world.

Tasting Notes

Intense richness and bright acidity. Driven by orange peel marmalade and saffron aromatics.

Production

No one’s really sure why concentration comes from older vines, but here it is in evidence. 175g/l

Producer

Robert Parker compared the sweet wines of Tirecul as the most notable sweet wines from anywhere in the world. A lot is written about terroir, soil and microclimates. You often question how much of it is true, how do people know exactly why the wines work out the way they do? At Tirecul however, you can really see it in front of you. There aren’t many estates where you can see all the vineyard in one block. At the bottom of the hill it is too open, and the top of the hill it is too windy. It’s only in two little pockets that the fog sits to create the conditions for some truly phenomenal botrytis wines. It’s a bit of a Goldilocks site, all the quirks of nature are ‘just right’ (I haven’t tried any Tirecul in my porridge, but I am going to now).

90% of the 9ha vineyard is planted with an even split between Semillon and Muscadelle, the latter is a fascinating variety, often in the background but it can be the real star of the show. The balance is Sauvignon Blanc and the recently allowed Chenin. The exact blend of the sweet wines is unknown because the grapes are picked when they are showing the best elements of botrytis and fermented together. Bruno Bilancini has run the estate since the early 1990s, in the last few years has also produced very good dry white and red which are showing real promise.

Sustainability

Bruno Bilancini took over the estate in 1992, and has treated the environment with utmost respect since then. It was in 2009 that Chateau Tirecul started to convert to organics, with all wines beyond 2012 being certified as well as vegan.

Specifications

Fernando de Castilla have added another vermouth to their portfolio - made from Palomino and Moscatel grapes and produced in Jerez.

Tasting Notes 

The nose has pronounced moscatel grape and spice aromas. Semi-sweet and persistent on the palate, with characteristic wormwood notes alongside clove and thyme.

Production

Specifications

A fine, distinctive blend of 90% Syrah with 10% Cabernet Franc, each from a single vineyard parcel in the Franschhoek valley. A natural approach to winemaking gives a fresh, expressive style with attractively wild berry fruit characters.

Tasting Notes

Nose

Warm and spicy on the nose, aromas of fresh crushed raspberries and black cherry mingle with black pepper, allspice and woodsmoke. 

Palate

The palate has breadth and natural juiciness combining fresh cranberry and red berry fruit with spicy, peppercorn flavours. Best served at cool room temperature.

Production

Wildeberg is our small farm in Franschhoek. Only 10ha can be planted to vines, the rest is wild. The fruit for the Wildeberg wines comes from the Franschhoek Valley only, hand-harvested, naturally-fermented and gently matured in our mountain barrel hall on the farm. A blend of roughly 90% Syrah and 10% Cabernet Franc, both parcels of fruit were hand-harvested then allowed to macerate carbonically without press. These wild ferments were left to themselves with just one daily manual punchdown followed by 12 months ageing in 600 ltr French oak barrels.

Producer

The Earth’s mantle thrusts up above the gentle town of Franschhoek, a wild slice of untamed mountain on which sits a farm named Wildeberg. An established wine region for some 350 years, sensible generations never thought to plant a vine here until a happy band of idealists recently craned their necks up at this hillside and, dizzy with hope, decided to give it a go. Franschhoek is on the very edge of the south-eastern corner of the Cape’s venerable Coastal Region, indeed Wildeberg’s property border runs over the top of the mountain where the Coastal Region gives way to the baboon-strewn road to Grabouw and the wider Western Cape.

The Wildeberg wines express the most captivating Franschhoek Valley fruit. In our Wildeberg Terroirs bottlings we look beyond our home to a clutch of exceptional sites of other origin.

A mountain rich in metaphor with the visual heft to flatter any wine, releases of Wildeberg and Terroirs express our continued purpose – exceptional wines of place, however humble the origin. If the abiding memory of our wines remains a textural sense of place then we are portraying the Cape as hoped.

Sustainability

Wildeberg is a 144ha wine farm set against the backdrop of the dramatic Franschhoek mountains, on the very edge of viticultural possibilities. To farm here you have to be in tune with nature, respecting the earth and the elements, creating wines which truly express the terroir with minimal intervention.

This special area is home to 4 endangered Fynbos species, and a key mission of Wildeberg is to conserve this vegetation type as they are critical to the biodiversity of the Western Cape. This work entails clearing invasive alien trees which can overwhelm the Fynbos and contribute to the threat of forest fires. Fynbos covered mountains like those at Wildeberg are thought to be responsible for delivering one glass of water in five in South Africa, due to the plants allowing up to 80% of rainwater to run off into rivers and reservoirs rather than being absorbed into the soil.

Water is precious in South Africa, and waste water from the winery passes through a natural wetland with indigenous reeds and plants before being pumped into our irrigation dam. We then use this water to irrigate the vines.

All Wildeberg wines are certified as part of South Africa’s sustainability accreditation, the ‘Integrated Production of Wine’ (IPW) system. The IPW scheme, started in 1998, consists of a set of audited guidelines specifying agricultural practices, manufacturing practices and bottling activities.

Wildeberg is also a proud member of the Cape’s Old Vine Project (OVP), which preserves blocks of vines which are 35 years and older. The project encourages producers to farm as close to nature as possible whilst raising awareness of the inherent potential of old vines to produce outstanding and expressive wines.

Specifications

A fruit driven vibrant red Shiraz with plush ripe berry fruit supported by soft tannins and sweet vanillin oak providing length and structure to this ready to drink wine.

Tasting Notes

With a bright red appearance, this youthful Shiraz exhibits a chorus of juicy red berries flavours with layers of spice and a soft tannin finish.

The Season

Following good rains during winter, good soil moisture along with warm spring days leading into the 2021 vintage allowed the vines to enjoy a good growing season with crops returning to an average size. Relatively mild summer temperatures enabled the fruit to retain a good acidity and freshness of flavour. Harvest began mid-January for the white grapes, with red grapes starting a month later and all Riverina fruit harvested prior to the end of March. Good yields and very good quality.

Winemaking

Harvesting of fruit to achieve optimum berry flavours and plush tannins. A cool ferment on skins for 5-6 days. Gently pressed to maintain softness, freshness and maximise fruit drive.

Specifications

Alan's Personal Tasting Notes

"Another Coterie delight - you don’t see these 2 varietals together many places in the world - but this certainly works here to produce a stunning, textural white. I’m picking up some old vine vibes and malolactic creaminess. A very well balanced and interesting white - it’s also got a good dollop of oak in the finish." July 2024

Specifications

Pietrin, a wine dedicated to the winery’s founding great-grandfather, is a true traditional Barolo whose grapes come from the best cru located in the communes of Castiglione Falletto, Monforte d’Alba and Novello.

This is a wine for those in the know - the wine experts, a gift for the boss or to mark a special occasion. 

Tasting Notes

It shows a rich bouquet that ranges from ripe fruit notes to sweet spices, while at the sip it is elegant, harmonious and with great power

Vineyards

It is quite possible that the Franco Conterno estate has one of the most enviable views of any winery. In the heart of the Langhe, in the hamlet of Bussia di Monforte d’Alba, the farm sits alone atop a tiny hill overlooking La Morra, Fontanafredda and Castiglione Falletto. 

Franco Conterno comprises 28 hectares of vineyards, located in the territories of Monforte d’Alba, Barolo, Castiglione Falletto, Novello and Madonna di Como.

The labels bear the names of the most prestigious vineyards: Bussia and Panerole. The hectares of land are dedicated to the cultivation of Lampia and Michet Nebbiolo, Barbera, Dolcetto, Merlot, Freisa and Chardonnay. Bussia is the first cru to have been declared a member of the "modern" era.

As always, our growing techniques are specially chosen to bring together respect for the environment and agricultural work, as required by the Regional Rural Development Plan to which Franco Conterno first subscribed in 1996. All this is possible thanks to the extraordinary nature of the soil, made up of sand, silt and clay. The elevation above sea level ranges from 250 to 400 metres.

The soil, the extraordinary microclimate, and the excellent south/south-west exposure allow for the creation of wines with unique and valuable characteristics.

From 2015, Franco Conterno has been a certified organic company, dedicated to a production philosophy based on natural ​​vineyard cultivation and a completely wholesome vinification process.

History

In the heart of the Langhe, in the hamlet of Bussia di Monforte d’Alba, is Cascina Sciulun, a typical historic farmhouse, constructed according to Piedmont architectural traditions. Built in the mid-nineteenth century and extended in the 1940s, the house has always belonged to the Conterno family.

The company Franco Conterno has deep roots, and has been a part of the family for many decades. It was nonno Pietro who allocated 18 hectares of land to Nebbiolo vineyards, initially to sell to other wineries for vinification, later destined for the creation of prestigious wines.

The business passed to his son Giacomo, and then to his grandson Franco, who took the helm of the winery in 1995 with his wife Vilma, bringing his own name and identity to the company.

In recent years, Franco’s two sons—Daniele and Andrea—joined the company, following in the footsteps of their grandfather, bringing fresh insight and innovation to the winery and vineyards, continuing the family business with passion and dedication.

Cascina Sciulun now includes a farmhouse where you can stay, for a relaxing visit immersed in the peace and tranquility of the green hills of the Langhe.

Specifications

A lively red wine perfect to enjoy with Salami!

Serve chilled in the summer months (5-7C)

Tasting Notes

Colour

Deep purple red colour with purple undertones, has a lovely foam when poured into the glass.

Nose

Notes of cherry, raspberries and sweet spices

Palate

Medium intensity and texture - fresh and harmonious with a beautifully persistent finish.

Vineyards

It is quite possible that the Franco Conterno estate has one of the most enviable views of any winery. In the heart of the Langhe, in the hamlet of Bussia di Monforte d’Alba, the farm sits alone atop a tiny hill overlooking La Morra, Fontanafredda and Castiglione Falletto. 

Franco Conterno comprises 28 hectares of vineyards, located in the territories of Monforte d’Alba, Barolo, Castiglione Falletto, Novello and Madonna di Como.

The labels bear the names of the most prestigious vineyards: Bussia and Panerole. The hectares of land are dedicated to the cultivation of Lampia and Michet Nebbiolo, Barbera, Dolcetto, Merlot, Freisa and Chardonnay. Bussia is the first cru to have been declared a member of the "modern" era.

As always, our growing techniques are specially chosen to bring together respect for the environment and agricultural work, as required by the Regional Rural Development Plan to which Franco Conterno first subscribed in 1996. All this is possible thanks to the extraordinary nature of the soil, made up of sand, silt and clay. The elevation above sea level ranges from 250 to 400 metres.

The soil, the extraordinary microclimate, and the excellent south/south-west exposure allow for the creation of wines with unique and valuable characteristics.

From 2015, Franco Conterno has been a certified organic company, dedicated to a production philosophy based on natural ​​vineyard cultivation and a completely wholesome vinification process.

History

In the heart of the Langhe, in the hamlet of Bussia di Monforte d’Alba, is Cascina Sciulun, a typical historic farmhouse, constructed according to Piedmont architectural traditions. Built in the mid-nineteenth century and extended in the 1940s, the house has always belonged to the Conterno family.

The company Franco Conterno has deep roots, and has been a part of the family for many decades. It was nonno Pietro who allocated 18 hectares of land to Nebbiolo vineyards, initially to sell to other wineries for vinification, later destined for the creation of prestigious wines.

The business passed to his son Giacomo, and then to his grandson Franco, who took the helm of the winery in 1995 with his wife Vilma, bringing his own name and identity to the company.

In recent years, Franco’s two sons—Daniele and Andrea—joined the company, following in the footsteps of their grandfather, bringing fresh insight and innovation to the winery and vineyards, continuing the family business with passion and dedication.

Cascina Sciulun now includes a farmhouse where you can stay, for a relaxing visit immersed in the peace and tranquility of the green hills of the Langhe.

Specifications

From vines cultivated in the challenging and malleable clay-rich soils of the comune of Novello, from which the wine takes its name.

Tasting Notes

Vibrant yellow with green undertones; rich aroma with hints of pineapple, orange blossom, exotic fruits, banana and honey.

Vineyards

It is quite possible that the Franco Conterno estate has one of the most enviable views of any winery. In the heart of the Langhe, in the hamlet of Bussia di Monforte d’Alba, the farm sits alone atop a tiny hill overlooking La Morra, Fontanafredda and Castiglione Falletto. 

Franco Conterno comprises 28 hectares of vineyards, located in the territories of Monforte d’Alba, Barolo, Castiglione Falletto, Novello and Madonna di Como.

The labels bear the names of the most prestigious vineyards: Bussia and Panerole. The hectares of land are dedicated to the cultivation of Lampia and Michet Nebbiolo, Barbera, Dolcetto, Merlot, Freisa and Chardonnay. Bussia is the first cru to have been declared a member of the "modern" era.

As always, our growing techniques are specially chosen to bring together respect for the environment and agricultural work, as required by the Regional Rural Development Plan to which Franco Conterno first subscribed in 1996. All this is possible thanks to the extraordinary nature of the soil, made up of sand, silt and clay. The elevation above sea level ranges from 250 to 400 metres.

The soil, the extraordinary microclimate, and the excellent south/south-west exposure allow for the creation of wines with unique and valuable characteristics.

From 2015, Franco Conterno has been a certified organic company, dedicated to a production philosophy based on natural ​​vineyard cultivation and a completely wholesome vinification process.

History

In the heart of the Langhe, in the hamlet of Bussia di Monforte d’Alba, is Cascina Sciulun, a typical historic farmhouse, constructed according to Piedmont architectural traditions. Built in the mid-nineteenth century and extended in the 1940s, the house has always belonged to the Conterno family.

The company Franco Conterno has deep roots, and has been a part of the family for many decades. It was nonno Pietro who allocated 18 hectares of land to Nebbiolo vineyards, initially to sell to other wineries for vinification, later destined for the creation of prestigious wines.

The business passed to his son Giacomo, and then to his grandson Franco, who took the helm of the winery in 1995 with his wife Vilma, bringing his own name and identity to the company.

In recent years, Franco’s two sons—Daniele and Andrea—joined the company, following in the footsteps of their grandfather, bringing fresh insight and innovation to the winery and vineyards, continuing the family business with passion and dedication.

Cascina Sciulun now includes a farmhouse where you can stay, for a relaxing visit immersed in the peace and tranquility of the green hills of the Langhe.

Specifications

The Langhe Chardonnay DOC was born from the Bujet vineyard in Monforte d’Alba.

Tasting Notes

Straw yellow in colour with light greenish hues; fruity scented, it is broad and penetrating on the nose with hints of exotic tropical fruits.

Vineyards

It is quite possible that the Franco Conterno estate has one of the most enviable views of any winery. In the heart of the Langhe, in the hamlet of Bussia di Monforte d’Alba, the farm sits alone atop a tiny hill overlooking La Morra, Fontanafredda and Castiglione Falletto. 

Franco Conterno comprises 28 hectares of vineyards, located in the territories of Monforte d’Alba, Barolo, Castiglione Falletto, Novello and Madonna di Como.

The labels bear the names of the most prestigious vineyards: Bussia and Panerole. The hectares of land are dedicated to the cultivation of Lampia and Michet Nebbiolo, Barbera, Dolcetto, Merlot, Freisa and Chardonnay. Bussia is the first cru to have been declared a member of the "modern" era.

As always, our growing techniques are specially chosen to bring together respect for the environment and agricultural work, as required by the Regional Rural Development Plan to which Franco Conterno first subscribed in 1996. All this is possible thanks to the extraordinary nature of the soil, made up of sand, silt and clay. The elevation above sea level ranges from 250 to 400 metres.

The soil, the extraordinary microclimate, and the excellent south/south-west exposure allow for the creation of wines with unique and valuable characteristics.

From 2015, Franco Conterno has been a certified organic company, dedicated to a production philosophy based on natural ​​vineyard cultivation and a completely wholesome vinification process.

History

In the heart of the Langhe, in the hamlet of Bussia di Monforte d’Alba, is Cascina Sciulun, a typical historic farmhouse, constructed according to Piedmont architectural traditions. Built in the mid-nineteenth century and extended in the 1940s, the house has always belonged to the Conterno family.

The company Franco Conterno has deep roots, and has been a part of the family for many decades. It was nonno Pietro who allocated 18 hectares of land to Nebbiolo vineyards, initially to sell to other wineries for vinification, later destined for the creation of prestigious wines.

The business passed to his son Giacomo, and then to his grandson Franco, who took the helm of the winery in 1995 with his wife Vilma, bringing his own name and identity to the company.

In recent years, Franco’s two sons—Daniele and Andrea—joined the company, following in the footsteps of their grandfather, bringing fresh insight and innovation to the winery and vineyards, continuing the family business with passion and dedication.

Cascina Sciulun now includes a farmhouse where you can stay, for a relaxing visit immersed in the peace and tranquility of the green hills of the Langhe.

Specifications