2022 Didier Dagueneau Pouilly-Fumé “Silex”, Loire Valley, FranceOne of France's great, iconic estates, making singluar, age worthy Sauvignon Blancs from the appellation of Pouilly Fume. Didier Dagueneau was one of the first estates in the region to experiment with single parcel wines, starting with "En Chailloux" in 1982, and later "Pur Sang" in 1988. Vines are farmed meticulously, with an average of 1 full time worker per hectare (much like the very top domaines in Burgundy!) The estate is now run by fifth

when the monks at the Abbaye de Fontevraud brought their influence to the region

The stakes are high when the wines that you are making are some of the rarest and most sought after in the world

and aged cheeses—ideal for both casual gatherings and more robust cuisine

The well-aired leaves also dry faster

Tempier’s rosé has become a global reference point—an icon that redefines what rosé can be: serious

Two chateaux dominated the landscape in the middle ages: Fort Haut and Fort Bas

From 60+ year old vines on granitic shale

some of the dominant botanicals are star anise

punctuated by a small shower in July and again in the middle of August

Philipponnat Champagnes are aging slowly in total silence and perfect darkness

Until recently

The stones are spread out unevenly