There’s something about Northern Rhône that unites wine lovers. It happens to present perfect conditions to really understand terroir—that is, how different places can affect the same grape’s profile in the final wine. Northern Rhône is to Syrah lovers what Burgundy is to Pinot lovers: an intellectual playground for the grape.
Read MoreDomaine Belle is located in the village of Larnage, just to the north of the famous winemaking cooperative of Tain l’Hermitage, which the original Louis Belle helped to found in 1933. Today, the third generation, Philippe, is at the helm, and his son Guillaume is in the process of learning the ropes. Today, they own 25 hectares covering six communes and three appellations in the Northern Rhône. We added this fantastic family-run estate to our Direct Import portfolio five years ago, and they have quickly become a fan favorite for their deep, soulful wines.
Read MoreThe wines of Jean-Louis Chave hold a special place atop the Rhône wine hierarchy. With an unbroken winegrowing lineage that dates back to 1481, not many other producers in the region (or even the world) can claim the heritage, the history, or the track record of superb craftsmanship that the Chave brand has evoked for centuries.
Read MoreSaturday in all three stores, we're doing a battle for the ages: Northern Rhône vs Southern Rhône! In this corner, we have the dark and brooding Syrah grape in its most majestic incarnation; in the other corner, we have the powerhouse team of 13 grapes working side by side to bring you stunning complexity and juicy drinkability. Who will reign supreme? You'll have to join us to find out!
Read MoreToday's Newsletter returns us to one of our very favorite regions in the world for both incomparable value stunners and blue-chip collector's trophies alike. Rhône buyer Keith Mabry recently made his first trip back to the region in three years, and he's returned with fresh insight and ton of renewed energy and excitement for the category.
Read MoreFor St. Patrick’s Day, I knew my friend was bringing Corned Beef (here’s the recipe she used), so my wine pairing was the 2018 Ferraton Père et Fils "La Matinière" Crozes-Hermitage. I adore Northern Rhône wines—and a Crozes-Hermitage for $19.99 was an immediate draw! Not only is the pricing off the hook, its pedigree is, too: it’s organically and biodynamically farmed thanks to major investment in this estate by Rhône giant Michel Chapoutier. Critics reap praise and scores on this estate. I had to try it.
Read MoreHot off the presses, our current newsletter, where French Regional Buyer Keith Mabry takes us on a Tour de France, covering some of the hottest Rhône, Loire, and Rousillon wines on our roster. Vintages have been good, and our producers are knocking it out of the park.
Read MoreToday, it’s widely known that some of the best Syrah and Grenache on the planet come from Rhône, but do we really understand why? This line of inquiry led us, meaning Keith and I, to create Rhône School, your biweekly-ish dive into the Rhône, region by region, rock by rock, with a blog-toothed comb. First stop: St-Joseph.
Read MoreA big boat just landed in California, carrying some wines we’re pretty jazzed about—all hailing from Rhône’s phenomenal 2016 vintage. Both Northern and Southern Rhône knocked it out of the park in 2016. We’re excited through and through for this vintage, and wines from La Ferme du Mont in Châteauneuf-du-Pape are topping our list of what to open first.
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