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.
204 products
204 products
Sale
Quick view
- Sparkling Wine, White Wine
- Sémillon
- Sustainable, Vegan-Friendly
- Dry
- Light Bodied
- 750ml
- 12.50% alc./vol
About the Winery
Château Haut-Grelot
Château Haut Grelot is located in Saint Ciers Sur Gironde, approximately 50 kms north of Bordeaux, on the right bank of the Gironde Estuary. It was established by the Bonneau family in 1922 and now run but the 4th Generation. Today Château Haut-Grelot comprises 58 hectares of vineyards and is run by Céline and Julien, who was recently awarded the title 'Best Young Talent' in Bordeaux.
The vineyards are made up of sandy-gravel on the hillsides bordering the Gironde Estuary and sand-clay-silt on the hillsides further inland. Blaye Côtes de Bordeaux benefits from an ideal microclimate where there is a high level of sunshine and enough rain to guarantee the perfect environment for grape production. As a result the reds are fruity and concentrated and the whites are fresh, vibrant and delicate.
- 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
- Pinot Noir
- Sustainable
- Dry
- Residual Sugar: 2.00 g/l
- Medium Bodied
- 750ml
- 13.50% alc./vol
About the Winery
Groupe Bellene
Led by Nicolas Potel in Beaune, Groupe Bellene is composed of the négociant arm Maison Roche de Bellene, the winery arm Domaine de Bellene, and a special back-vintage series under the Collection Bellenum label.
- Maison Roche de Bellene offers a complete range of wines, with an emphasis on individual terroirs from old vines of more than 40 years. All of the growers that Nicolas works with are either organic certified or sustainably farmed.
- Domaine de Bellene represents the wines that are produced and bottled from Nicolas Potel's private vineyard holdings.
- Collection Bellenum is a back vintage series that Nicolas Potel sourced from his friends in the region, offering a magnificent selection of bottled history. The wines have moved only twice in their lives, from the original cellar to Potel's and now to yours!
Nicolas Potel grew up at Volnay's Domaine Pousse d'Or, where his father worked. He trained abroad and returned home in 1996 to build a négociant business and started Maison Nicolas Potel, where he sourced grapes from good parcels, often working with the growers to improve the quality. By 2002, he was making 120 wines from 50 different appellations, and the rest is history!
Press Reviews
WineAlign
94 Points - Sara d'Amato
A generous expression of village level Beaune from the Blanches Fleurs lieu-dit located at the northern border of Beaune close to Savigny les Beaune. Featuring a great deal of power and finesse, this lightly smoky pinot noir is bursting at the seams with black cherry, pomegranate and sweet red pepper. Pink peppercorn and rare meat play a supporting role in the flavour make-up of this engrossing and youthful pinot noir. Notes of rosebud coyly linger on the finish of excellent length. Best 2022-2025. Tasted May 2021.