A foray around the Pays D’Oc region this September has left me completely buzzed. There was a palpable excitement among the new wave of winemakers I encountered.
Noticeably they were focused on terroir, organics, sustainability and really wanted to make great wines. What surprised me most were the alcohol levels which were in the range 11% to 13.5% not the big bruisers that I was historically less plussed by.
Interestingly from a selection of 10 wines I made only one was 13.5% the rest were 12.5% or lower. From this mission I am delighted to present to you the natural wines of Domaine Ricardelle de Lautrec and the sumptuous wines of Domaine Grand-Chemin. Wines with a real sense of Joie de vivre.
David Whelehan
We are proud to be the exclusive importer of Domaine Ricardelle de Lautrec, a family business run by Lionel and Cathy Boutié and their children. This historic 50-hectare estate sits in Coursan, at the crossroads of the Clape, Minervois, and Corbières terroirs, carrying a rich heritage from the Roman Via Domitia and its connection to the Toulouse-Lautrec family.
Continuing a four-generation tradition, the family has championed biodynamic agriculture for over 25 years. Winemaker Lionel Boutié exclusively uses hand-harvested fruit and indigenous yeasts. This focus, combined with techniques like cold vinification and long maceration, results in authentic, balanced wines that perfectly reflect the unique Mediterranean terroir with great freshness and roundness.
"This fresh, expressive Chardonnay reveals ripe pear, blossom, and a hint of earthiness. Lees-aged in stainless steel for 12 months, it’s smooth and rounded yet beautifully balanced."
We are thrilled to be the exclusive importer of Domaine Grand Chemin, a historic and quality-focused winery located in the heart of the Southern Rhône. The Floutier family has been crafting wines here since the estate's founding during the French Revolution in 1789. Situated near the famous Pont du Gard and the Cévennes mountains, the vineyards benefit from a unique microclimate. The quality of their production is consistently recognised, with their Viognier 2024 notably receiving a 2-star award in the prestigious Hachette Guide des Vins 2025.
This family’s three-century legacy is matched by a strong commitment to environmental sustainability. Domaine Grand Chemin uses advanced techniques, including biological controls and pheromones to disrupt pests, to maintain a healthy vineyard ecosystem. This low-intervention philosophy extends to the cellar, where they focus on a low environmental footprint by limiting additives and using low sulfite additions. Every step, from vine to bottle, ensures each wine is a pure, complex, and high-quality reflection of its historic Southern Rhône origin.
In the lower foothills of the Cévennes, in the triangle between Alès-Nîmes-Montpellier, Domaine Grand-Chemin has been farmed for over 300 years by the same family from father to son.
"Bright cherry red color with purple reflections. Aromas of cherries, cassis and a hint of wood. Fruity and slightly smoky style. Pure and smooth taste that settles in the mouth in a wonderfully refined and balanced way. Pinot Noir in its most pleasant and complex form."
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