Ch Fonplegade, Grand Cru St Emilion 2017

The name of this unusual Bourgogne Pinot Noir refers to the latitude of Burgundy, and it is a blend of out best Bourgogne Rouge, Cote de Nuits Village, Marsannay and Vosne-Romanee.

The name of this unusual Bourgogne Pinot Noir refers to the latitude of Burgundy, and it is a blend of out best Bourgogne Rouge, Cote de Nuits Village, Marsannay and Vosne-Romanee.

Tradition is hardly sufficient a word to sum up the Perrier family who have lived and worked in the Alps for more than seven generations. Their wine style and dedication to local varieties such as Jacquère has not wavered and like their mountains, they remain resolute. And all the better for it. These are wines are stunning, different and enthralling creating flavour and palates that you would be hard pressed to find anywhere else. Jacquère is a grape variety native to Savoie and is THE wine to have with fondue or raclette.

White gold colour with hints of green. Fresh almond, hawthorn and citrus fruit on the nose. A lively attack on the palate but rounds out with lovely mineral notes and orange zest. Excellent balance between fruit and acidity.

Forget any notions of quaint, long-established family wineries, Guillaume Letang is a “driving winemaker” (like a flying winemaker but more prone to homesickness.) Originally from northern Burgundy but now based in Macon, he scours southern France for odd little exciting plots of vines on which he can work his magic. Venturing off piste a few years ago, he came across a fabulous parcel of old Carignan vines from which he has moulded this hearty but beautifully balanced red. Treat it to a plate of game or a rustic stew and watch it come to life,