Les coups de cœur 2024

I chose this wine because it is both a magnificent discovery and an invitation to set sail. To a unique terroir in the North Atlantic, 1500 km from Lisbon, in the Azores archipelago. Ameixâmbar is a blend from two islands - Faial and Pico - which produces a wine with a mineral, citrus character and subtle bitters. Made from volcanic soils, this magnificent wine, produced by Adega do Vulcao from old vines, stands out for its incredible sapidity and energy. I'm delighted to share it with you!

Il est des vins qui vous transcendent et le Clos Stegasta en fait partie. C’est un pan d’histoire : celle d’une vision, réhabiliter la vigne sur cette île au milieu des Cyclades. C’est un pan de paysage : un champ fractal sur un plateau balayé par les vents étésiens… Il faut imaginer des vignes peintes sur un horizon rocailleux avec une lumière vive mais presque teintée. Et c’est un pan de cœur, car la dimension tellurique et énergique nous marquent forcément. Alors pour son grand retour après 2 ans d’absence, mon coup de cœur se porte sur ce vin d’un horizon lointain, qui déroute car il ne rentre dans aucune case mais stimule les sens : la bouteille ouverte à l’aveugle un midi avec l’équipe en est la preuve ! Ce nouveau millésime ne déroge pas à l’adage : la trame minérale est bien présente, empreinte d’un toucher soyeux et d’une fine amertume qui porte loin les sens… et l’esprit !

I chose this wine because it is both a magnificent discovery and an invitation to set sail. To a unique terroir in the North Atlantic, 1500 km from Lisbon, in the Azores archipelago. Ameixâmbar is a blend from two islands - Faial and Pico - which produces a wine with a mineral, citrus character and subtle bitters. Made from volcanic soils, this magnificent wine, produced by Adega do Vulcao from old vines, stands out for its incredible sapidity and energy. I'm delighted to share it with you!

I don't pretend to know all the white wines of Geneva, but I was dazzled by the precision, finesse and clarity of this Roussanne! Produced on a small scale on the slopes of Bardonnex, which could well turn out to be one of the finest terroirs in the canton. This is a full-bodied, suave wine, but without any heaviness, which lingers for a long time in a burst of citrus fruit and subtle honey. World class, at the very least, sculpted for many years to come!

When I first arrived at CAVE, almost 10 years ago, I discovered a Priorat made by Alfredo Arribas in the 2012 vintage, whose finesse and admirable fruit profile, not always obvious in a sun-drenched, wild landscape, absolutely moved me! After a few years' absence, the estate is back in the selection: the magic is back with this wine in 2021! The freshness of the vintage, the elegance of the textures with satiny tannins and the expression of the schist terroirs are sure to win you over. This is undoubtedly a great Spanish wine!

This year, my choice is the cuvée ‘Les Sables’ from Domaine Tessier in 2022. Far from being the most popular appellation in the Loire, Cour-Cheverny offers us wines of pleasure and taste. Domaine Tessier works with biodynamic Romorantin, the only grape variety permitted in this small 60-hectare appellation. The wine strikes just the right balance between beautiful aromas, reminiscent of quince and honey, and pleasant tension. The finish gives way to a light, very pleasant bitterness. All in all, it's unbeatable value for money for those who want to enjoy it as an aperitif or with fine food, and discover an authentic and original grape variety!

When I arrived at CAVE, I was lucky enough to discover an exceptional wine from my beloved island: Calvi white Argentella 2022. Nestling between the Corsican maquis and the sublime Scandola reserve, the Grisoli brothers' estate offers us a 100% Vermentinu Calvi blanc, a wine distinguished by its minerality, elegance and absolutely remarkable aromatic purity. This wine is a real tribute to the island of Beauty and its unrivalled rich terroir. A nugget not to be missed in the CAVE selection!

If there are places where there seems to be perfect harmony between the elements that make it up, Condrieu is definitely one of them. The Pied de Samson cuvée is a tribute to Georges Vernay's passion, obstinacy and unfailing faith in the combination of a unique terroir and a grape variety that was almost extinct at the time, which he restored and sublimated throughout his life. Formerly part of the Condrieu appellation area, now reclassified as a Collines Rhodaniennes PGI, this cuvée comes from a parcel planted exclusively with Viognier, and will give you a real sense of the pure expression of the grape variety and the boundless finesse of the terroir, the hallmark of the estate now brilliantly run by his daughter Christine. Pied de Samson is the perfect expression of viognier on its chosen terroir, and this 2022 vintage captures its essence remarkably well, with its bewitching floral nose, exotic fruit and citrus aromas, and striking minerality. 

We already know about the superb island wines of Corsica and Sicily, but now we'll have to reckon with those of Gran Canaria! There are no international grape varieties here: the estate's volcanic sand soils are planted exclusively with indigenous varieties. Like this cuvée of Vijariego Blanco, which begins with an invigorating bouquet of tangerine, lemon zest and grapefruit, followed by light notes of honey and controlled oxidation. The palate, for its part, is a marvel of texture: initially structured and firm, it quickly gives way to a lively, saline, very intense ‘oyster shell’ character that enlivens and carries the wine. Original and dashing, it will obviously not go with every cuisine, but it will be a wine of choice to accompany ceviche or Creole-style fish. Enjoy!

I'm here to tell you about a wine that pleasantly surprised me with its finesse and robustness, made from a blend of Syrah and Grenache perfectly balanced by Domaine Gallety, straight from the heart of the Ardèche in the Côtes du Vivarais. With its deep, intense red colour, powerful tannins and long finish, it took me on a journey of endless aromatic pleasure. This generous wine, with its elegant, fruity palate, is sure to seduce you as an excellent accompaniment to braised meat dishes or cheese platters! Enough to make many a Côte Rôtie blush!

This year, I'm delighted to introduce you to a little Valais gem: Weingut Cipolla's Pinot Noir Vieilles Vignes 2022. Ideally vinified and matured in oak casks, it has a dark red colour and a depth that would make Burgundy pale! It can be laid down for around ten years, but is already seductive in its youth, revealing notes of red fruit and cherry. You'll also marvel at the smoky notes that give this pinot noir character and charm. With its lingering length, it will reveal the diversity of its aromas throughout a meal with friends, from red meats to cheese. ‘Wine is the intellectual part of a meal; meat and vegetables are only the material part’ (Alexandre Dumas). We look forward to pleasing you!

Dominio de Anza Seleccion de Parcelas is a wine that smells of sunshine! I discovered this wine at a pétanque barbecue, where all the guests fell in love with it. This expressive, straightforward, well-balanced and very fruity wine is sure to surprise you! It's made from Mencia (100%) and will surprise you all summer long. It's a spectacular debut for this young winemaker in this region. Well done!

Ah, the Vermentino from Giba... a real Sardinian nugget! Nothing to do with the tourist vintages: here the emphasis is on finesse, fruit and magnificent freshness. On the palate, the wine is clean, straightforward and sapid, with intense fruity aromas. It's the perfect accompaniment to a meal, especially if you're planning to cook fish, vegetables or poultry. But if you're not hungry, don't worry, it's just as good as an aperitif... Discover it now!

Among the great wines of the southern Rhône Valley, we find the Vacqueyras 2021 from Domaine de la Roubine, grown biodynamically. I really liked this cuvée for its power and freshness, with notes of red berries on the palate. It's a perfect match for barbecues and game. A great wine that deserves a few more years of cellaring to appreciate its full potential. A great success!

On the first sip, this Cabernet Franc reveals a rich bouquet of black fruits such as blackberry and blackcurrant, accompanied by aromas of green pepper and fresh earth, typical of this grape variety. Its freshness and the balance between its tannins and acidity make this wine a little gem. If you open this wine 2 hours before drinking, all the aromas will develop and give you that unique taste... Not to be missed!

Its light garnet colour is typical of nebbiolo wines. The nose opens with a pleasant intensity, revealing aromas of orange peel. There are also subtle notes of rose and hazelnut, adding a gourmet dimension. On the palate, this wine has a well-constructed structure reminiscent of the finesse of great Burgundy wines. The texture is both elegant and dynamic, with well-integrated acidity adding freshness. The tannins are fine and velvety, underpinning complex flavours of citrus and ripe red fruit. The balance between richness and lightness stands out, offering a long finish. This Barbaresco is a magnificent introduction to the appellation, showing all the nobility and elegance of these wines. A wonderful way to (re) discover this region.