2021 SancerreDaniel Chotard
France | Loire
$39
Producers
by Tom Wolf
2020 Vin de Pays de Vaucluse Rouge “Le Pigeoulet”
Famille Brunier France | Southern Rhône | Vin de Pays de Vaucluse
For decades, the Brunier brothers of Domaine du Vieux Télégraphe have produced a world-class rouge from the southern Rhône Valley’s most prestigious appellation, Châteaneuf-du-Pape. With their Pigeoulet, they prove just as capable of mastering the hedonistic country quaffer, which teems with northern Provence’s most irresistible qualities: the succulent red and black fruit, stony core, hint of black olive, and garrigue.
The Bruniers farm the Grenache, Syrah, Carignan, Cinsault, and Mourvèdre that make up this cuvée on two distinct parcels: the first situated on the east side of the Rhône, near Châteauneuf-du-Pape, and the second farther east, along the lower, southwest-facing slopes of Mont Ventoux. The Bruniers’ vast experience in crafting elegant reds in this southern climate is on full display in this bottling. This was a warm year in the region, but the ethereal Pigeoulet showcases remarkable finesse and drinkability. Pair it with roast chicken or lamb, or alongside an assortment of hummus, baba ganoush, falafel, black olives, and the freshest pita you can find.
Wine Type: | red |
Vintage: | 2020 |
Bottle Size: | 750mL |
Blend: | 80% Grenache, 10% Syrah, 5% Carignan, 5% Cinsault |
Appellation: | Vin de Pays de Vaucluse |
Country: | France |
Region: | Southern Rhône |
Producer: | Famille Brunier |
Winemaker: | Brunier Family |
Vineyard: | 25 years average, 10 ha |
Soil: | Clay with sandy alluvial deposits |
Aging: | Wine ages for 18 months in 50% cement tanks, 50% foudres |
Farming: | Organic (practicing) |
Alcohol: | 14.5% |
Famille Brunier France | Southern Rhône | Vin de Pays de Vaucluse
Famille Brunier France | Southern Rhône | Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Famille Brunier France | Southern Rhône | Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Domaine de Durban France | Southern Rhône | Muscat de Beaumes-de-Venise
Domaine Catherine Le Gœuil France | Southern Rhône | Cairanne
Domaine Gramenon France | Southern Rhône | Côtes-du-Rhône
Vignobles Brunier embodies the ensemble of the holdings by the Brunier family. Brothers Frédéric and Daniel are the fourth generation of their family to farm the land of Châteauneuf-du-Pape. They have worked hard to solidify the legacy left by their father, Henri, and their great-grandfather, Hippolyte. In 1986, the family complemented their portfolio, offering more affordable cuvées that showcase the diversity of terroirs within their holdings. The “Pigeoulet” and “Mégaphone” are fresh, rich in fruit and easy to appreciate young. The red Châteauneuf “Piedlong”, sourced from the Piélong lieu-dit, is a profoundly mineral wine that balances elegance and purity with the muscle that is found in this great appellation.
The southern Rhône valley is Grenache country. It’s also known for its stones. With a viticulture history dating back well before the Popes arrived in the 12th century and one of France’s oldest appellations d'origine contrôlée, Châteauneuf-du-Pâpe, the southern Rhône is unquestionably one of France’s best known and premier winegrowing regions. The wines have the pedigree and age-worthiness of Burgundy and Bordeaux, but with a rustic, Mediterranean character. Like most wines from southern France, the reds, whites, and rosés are blends. Filling out the Grenache for the reds and rosés, you’ll often find Syrah, Carignan, Mourvèdre, and Cinsault. The common white grape varieties are Grenache Blanc, Clairette, Bourboulenc, Viognier, Roussane, and Marsanne among others. From the alluvial riverbed stones found in Lirac, Tavel, and Châteauneuf to the limestone cliffs of the Dentelles de Montmirail that influence Beaumes-de-Venise (where you’ll find excellent Muscat), Vacqueyras, and Gigondas, great terroir abounds.
Kermit’s entrance in the region came in the mid 1970s on his first trip with Richard Olney, an American ex-pat and friend of Alice Waters. On that trip, Richard introduced Kermit to the Brunier family of Domaine du Vieux Télégraphe. Soon after, Kermit began importing the Brunier’s wines—their Châteauneuf-du-Pape “La Crau” bottling remains a staple of our portfolio today. In the late 1990s Kermit teamed up with the Brunier family to purchase the famed Gigondas estate, Domaine Les Pallières. More than 40 years later, we now import wines from fifteen southern Rhône domaines spanning the entire area of the region.
Domaine du Vieux Télégraphe France | Southern Rhône | Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Maxime-François Laurent France | Southern Rhône | Côtes du Rhône
Domaine Gramenon France | Southern Rhône | Côtes-du-Rhône
Château de Trinquevedel France | Southern Rhône | Tavel
Domaine de Durban France | Southern Rhône | Beaumes-de-Venise
Domaine de Durban France | Southern Rhône | Muscat de Beaumes-de-Venise
Famille Brunier France | Southern Rhône | Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Achard-Vincent France | Southern Rhône | Clairette de Die
Gaël Petit France | Southern Rhône | Tavel
Château de Trinquevedel France | Southern Rhône | Tavel
Domaine Gramenon France | Southern Rhône | Côtes-du-Rhône
Domaine Les Pallières France | Southern Rhône | Gigondas
Trust the great winemakers, trust the great vineyards. Your wine merchant might even be trustworthy. In the long run, that vintage strip may be the least important guide to quality on your bottle of wine.—Kermit Lynch
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