As an early adopter of biodynamic farming, Michèle Aubery-Laurent transformed her remote domaine in Montbrison-sur-Lez into a benchmark producer of Grenache-based reds. With this cuvée, perhaps the most iconic in her lineup, she reimagined what Grenache could be: easy-drinking, weightless, and precise. Today, Poignée de Raisins—which translates enticingly to a “fistful of grapes”—has gone on to influence countless contemporary growers across France who embrace a similar style. But for a taste of the original glou-glou southern Rhône rouge, pull the cork on this bottling. —JA
—Jane Augustine and Madison H. Brown
Costamolino, named for the area, is made from Vermentino, an aromatic white grape variety that thrives in the Mediterranean climate of Sardinia. The grapes are harvested in August and September and vinified in stainless-steel tanks to retain acidity. A small percentage sees malolactic fermentation to give the wine roundness and texture.
The 2021 Chardonnay was phenomenal, way above the expectations for the price point. It was produced with pristine grapes from Gualtallary that in the cool 2021 vintage achieved 13.5% alcohol but kept a low pH of 3.05 and 7.7 grams of acidity. It matured i...
2022 was a standout year for the Côte du Py, making wines of great depth that will stand a great test of time. On the nose, the 2022 Morgon Côte du Py unfurls with aromas of tangy blackberries, plums, blood orange, oak leaf and slate. Medium to full-bodie...
Three terroirs make up this cuvée you would be sage to decant, or hold up to ten years in a cool place. A sandy parcel brings lively floral aromatics and elegant fruit, clay contributes depth and fleshiness, and a third plot on rocky limestone makes its presence felt on the tightly wound, almost salty finish. A masterpiece of old-vine Grenache.
—Anthony Lynch