While waiting for a summer that we hope will be sunnier, we invite you to explore France and discover delightful wines between sea and mountains, rivers and lakes. These are great ways to pass the time and perhaps inspire some summer getaways.
Let's start by crossing the Mediterranean, wandering through the maquis to discover original wines that bring this land, where wine culture has been present for 5 centuries BCE, back to the forefront. A salute!
The newest addition to Cave du Palais, the Domaine Mondange by brothers Laura and Andria. Nestled between sea and mountains, on the Oriental Coast, the estate produces fragrant and crisp wines perfect for summer aperitifs. Definitely a great plan for relaxation!
Let's continue our GR 20 at the foot of Cap Corse, in the Agriate desert, a winding road connecting Saint-Florent to Balagne. Here, no dunes but exquisite beaches and the vineyards of the Domaine Giacometti, all the way to the west of the beautiful and excellent Patrimonio appellation, where everything is organic... the first in France, let's remember that with "curagiu"! Let yourself be tempted by a niellucciu with an affable but strong character that doesn't deny its origins... from the boot across the way... not to mention a niellucciu/grenache noir blend full of spicy gourmandise and a white wine cradled by sea spray. Invigorating!
The last stop on our island journey is just a few short nautical miles away, in the very village of Patrimonio, stronghold of the island's oldest appellation, at the very evocative Clos Marfisi. Through their "Uva" cuvées, Julie and Mathieu highlight forgotten grape varieties: Carghjolu Neru (pronounced Carcayolou Nerou), Minustellu and Niellucciu for the red, Rimenese and Vermentinu for the white. Distinctive and wholesome wines, symbols of the Riacquistu, the reappropriation of forgotten endemic grape varieties at the expense of international varieties. Forza!
Mas des Chimères in force!
Anyone who has visited Cave du Palais once in their life couldn't have ignored this emblematic estate of the Terrasses du Larzac. Located on the reddish edges of the Lac du Salagou, the Mas des Chimères never ceases to enchant us with its racy cuvées and voluptuous mouthfeel. Classic blends, "heretical" grapes, which we would rather pair with a barbecue than a pyre ;) a strong nod to Cinsault, a discovery of the tangy and alluring Ribeyrenc, and a gastronomic white, the estate offers us a delightful sensory journey. True artistry!
Freshly arrived at the Cave du Palais, Domaine Bertin-Delatte already has its aficionados, the Pineau d'Aunis is already gone... sorry! It is in Rablay-sur-Layon, land of the great Loire sweet wines, that the few hectares of the estate emerge. Geneviève Bertin and Nicolas Delatte craft, for our greatest pleasure, wines full of life, lively and refreshing, very low in alcohol. Grolleau at 10.5% and a Pet Nat that packs a punch, that's the range we are delighted to introduce to you. To be shared without moderation.
Finally, we take you to a more hushed universe, where secrets are so well kept, almost timeless. Welcome to Voiron, to the Chartreux Fathers, to meet the star of French liqueurs, Chartreuse. Rich in over 300 years of history, a clever blend of 130 plants, flowers, barks, roots, and spices, and a mystical mystery (only two liqueur-making monks hold the recipe), Chartreuse has established itself as a revered reference for connoisseurs worldwide. Distributed sparingly through multiple cuvées, the ancient "liqueur of health" holds a prominent place on the shelves of your favorite apothecary ;) You can also succumb to a high-flying Génépi. Something to ponder!
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