France is one of the largest wine producers in the world, and arguably, one of the most significant, with a wine-making history that dates back to the Roman times. Taste through the different wine regions of France, from Bordeaux, Burgundy, Champagne, to Languedoc-Roussillon, Loire Valley, Rhône, Provence and beyond. Each region is known for different grape varieties, a unique growing environment, and their special wine production philosophy.
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- Red Wine
- Grenache
- Organic, Sustainable
- Dry
- 750ml
- 12.5% alc./vol
About the Winery
Domaine Peter Sichel
Tucked away in a hidden valley in a remote corner of the Languedoc-Roussillon lies a truly special place: the village of Cucugnan. Historically, there was much wine produced here, given its isolated location, but gradually the local people moved away to the towns. There are now just 130 people living in the village. As the vineyards were left mostly abandoned, the local flora and fauna were permitted to thrive. Cucugnan became a unique area, full of biodiversity, which shines through in the rare plants and flowers that grow there today.
Peter Sichel (of the Bordeaux négociant family) first discovered this valley on a road trip with a friend in the 1960s. He was so spellbound by the place that he bought a house there and, in 1988, planted a vineyard. The project grew, albeit slowly, but the arrival of Peter’s thoughtful and environmentally inspired grandson, Alexander Sichel, has turned the Domaine Peter Sichel project completely around.
Since 2019, Alexander has converted the estate to organics and biodynamics, achieving organic certification in 2022. Furthermore, he is committed to supporting polyculture in and around the vineyards, even enlisting the help of a PhD programme from a Dutch university to identify the incredible array of plant life in the vineyard.
Alexander’s grandfather planted the vines between 30-40 years old. Parcels of Grenache, Syrah, Carignan, and Roussanne lie mostly on the best slopes of the valley. Starting from 350-500 metres’ altitude, these slopes have very little topsoil; the roots go almost straight into the bedrock. The viticultural team here has done much work to focus on the unique characteristics of each parcel to express the terroir of this stunning valley in the most authentic way.
Press Reviews
WineAlign
92 points - Megha Janghyala, S.J.D., DipWSET.
This is a light red wine or perhaps a very dark rosé but either way it is charming in an unaffected, guileless way. Grapes are steeped in their skins for a short period of time, just 2.5 days, before they are pressed. The separated juice finishes fermentation in a small concrete tank. As the producer recommends, I would drink this wine over the next couple of years, while it is still young and fresh. I appreciate the clarity of fruit on the nose and palate here - red cherries, strawberries, raspberries, alongside fresh herbs. The palate is sprightly and flavourful, with impalpable tannins and cheerful acids, while the finish is long and perky. Tasted March 2025.
91 points - Michael Godel
The follow-up Montanha to what was a most excellent 2023 representing the hills of Cucugnan. Lesser stature as grenache but only in relative terms when you consider the bigger and more impressive Terre Rouge. Works the clay and limestone terroir with Sichel’s infusion style of winemaking to modernize and prepare grenache in the most succulent way possible. As you will find here but also take note of the very modest 12.5 percent alcohol frame which feels even lighter and brighter in the early freshness of a wine indicative of 2024. Some will bemoan the lack of heft and stuffing while others will bask in the light, vim, relish and vigour of this transparent and trim varietal wine. Drink 2025-2028. Tasted March 2025.
91 points - John Szabo, MS
The 2024 Montanha, "Mountain", sits somewhere between light red and deep rosé in colour like its predecessor, made as it is from a short 'infusion', 2.5 days, of unspecified ''mountain grapes'. ("raisins montagnards") grown in the heart of a wild, natural park with parcels surrounded by forests and biodynamic farming applied. The nose is open and fragrant, very fruity and pure, with lovely fresh strawberries and bright sour cherry flavours, also rose petals and orange peel, inviting and engaging. The palate is light and fresh but also flavourful, with impeccable balance and sapidity. A great project from the Sichel family to follow; drink or hold 2-3 years - this should turn nicely savoury in time. Tasted March 2025.
90 points - David Lawrason
This is an ultra-pale grenache from old vines at high altitude. It has a fragrant, pretty nose of red rose, candied strawberry, wet stone and a touch of hay. It is medium-full bodied, quite, taut and lean yet very flavourful. Very firm and sour edged. The length is excellent. Tasted March 2025
- Red Wine, Rosé Wine, White Wine
- Garganega, Grenache, Lambrusco di Sorbara, Nero d'Avola, Pinot Nero, Pinot Noir, Syrah
- Dry
- 750ml
About the Winery
Azienda Agricola Tessari
The Tessari family have Soave in their blood. For three generations they have been extracting delectable wine from the well cared for vines of their Monteforte d’Alpone vineyards. With only a little over a hectare of Garganega grapes in the prestigious volcanic solis of Soave Classico, Antonio Tessari hand dug his cellar back in 1933 and started the legacy that continues today with his grandchildren: Germano, Antonio and Cornelia.
From vineyard to bottle, these three siblings oversee it all; with unwavering respect for tradition, quality and passion for the art of winemaking. The volcanic soils of the hillside are rich with basaltic rocks and clays, which guarantees the health of the plant and the promotes the mineral and floral aromas that are characteristic of the Garganega grape. Truly artisanal wine making at it’s best.
Cantine Barbera
Cantina Barbera is located in the Menfi Coast, on the west coast of Sicily. The vineyards are about one mile from the Mediterranean Sea: an uncontaminated deep blue sea, facing South, where low cliffs and sandy dunes create a beautiful environment protected by the Belice River Natural Reservation Fund.
A third generation farmer, Marilena Barbera farms the Inzolia that her grandfather planted in the 20's, just as she attends to the native varietals that are the new frontier of her own generation: Perricone, Nerello, Alicante, Nero d'Avola and Grillo. Marilena makes her wines praticticing organic farming and natural winemaking, while paying utmost respect to Menfi's terroir.
"At the winery, I chose to work only with spontaneous fermentations and to adopt non invasive winemaking practices, in order to respect the unique personality of Sicilian native grape varieties and the beautiful land to which they belong."
Mas Carlot
Mas Carlot is situated in the south of the Rhône Valley, extending across 76 hectares of pebbly land southeast of Nîmes. Originally a 17th century farm, this beautiful estate was resurrected in the 1960's by the Blanc family—it is currently run Cyril Mares of the neighbouring and equally reputable property, Mas Bressades.
The appellation of Costières de Nîmes used to be considered part of eastern Languedoc but the climate, soil, topography and wine are far closer to those just over the river in the Southern Côtes du Rhône. It is now a region very much on the up and is widely recognized as a great source of excellent value wine.
- Red Wine
- Grenache, Syrah
- Organic, Sustainable
- Dry
- Residual Sugar: 2.00 g/l
- Full Bodied
- 750ml
- 14.00% alc./vol
Press Reviews
Wine Enthusiast
90 Points — Reggie Solomon
This is a wine to pair with an evening of contemplation. Blackberry, black plum and dried black cherry swing dance in lockstep on the nose with an undercurrent of forest floor that lends added depth. Silky in texture, the wine flirts with Darjeeling tea and a dew-glistened earthy core that shines.