Rasteau’s elevation to cru status in 2010, solely for its highly regarded dry red wines was widely welcomed. Domaine la Font de Notre Dame, a charming small domaine owned by brothers Frédéric and Boris Roux, produce a traditionally made Rasteau with typical appellation complexity.

L’exception is a structured, ample and elegant wine; very representative of Beaujolais. A cherry-hued colour, aromas of small red fruits and a harmonious structure make it classic Gamay.

L’exception is a structured, ample and elegant wine; very representative of Beaujolais. A cherry-hued colour, aromas of small red fruits and a harmonious structure make it classic Gamay.

Tannat softened down with Cabernet Franc – Great weight and density, with power from tannins but fruit and supple juiciness from blackberry and black cherry notes.

Tannat softened down with Cabernet Franc – Great weight and density, with power from tannins but fruit and supple juiciness from blackberry and black cherry notes.

From Cairanne, the Southern Rhone’s newest Cru, Les Six is all about elegance and the expression of six different grape varieties (in an appellation usually dominated by just two) blended together in the tradition of yesteryear.

23 different grape varieties planted in 1905

23 different grape varieties planted in 1905

23 different grape varieties planted in 1905

High up the ‘slopes of schist’ in the rugged mountainous terroir of Séguret lies a single vineyard so predominantly planted with Grenache Noir (intermingled only here and there with some Syrah) that the resulting wine – Les Coteaux Schisteux – comes close to being one of the purest expressions of Grenache Noir in the southern Rhône valley.

High up the ‘slopes of schist’ in the rugged mountainous terroir of Séguret lies a single vineyard so predominantly planted with Grenache Noir (intermingled only here and there with some Syrah) that the resulting wine – Les Coteaux Schisteux – comes close to being one of the purest expressions of Grenache Noir in the southern Rhône valley.