Every year, the editor-in-chief of monthly magazine La Revue du vin de France, Denis Saverot, comes together with a committee of tasters, journalists, sommeliers, and oenologists to award the best contributors in all sectors of the wine industry. Since 2010, the magazine has given around a dozen annual awards to honour producers, restaurant owners, wine sellers, and entrepreneurs. Those who receive the awards are considered to be bringing progress in the world and culture of wine, so we’re more than happy to put them in the spotlight…especially as two of this year’s winners are partner domains to iDealwine! Wine producer of the year went to Sylvain Fadat at Domaine d’Aupilhac, and the best wine growing group went to Vignerons des Terres Secrètes.
Wine producer of the Year: Sylvain Fadat from Domaine d’Aupilhac
This year it was Sylvain Fadat who was chosen as vintner of the year for La Revue du vin de France. From a family of winegrowers dating back five generations, he created Domaine d’Aupilhac in 1989. Located in Montpeyroux, this 26-hectare domain is now one of the Languedoc’s signature names. The estate is comprised of two, distinct terroirs: Cocalières, recently replanted higher up and north-facing, and the south-west facing terraces in Aupilhac. Sylvain mainly cultivates Mourvèdre and Carignan, as well as a smattering of Grenache and Cinsault. In the heights of Cocalières, it’s Syrah that dominates, with the addition of Mourvèdre and Grenache vines. The most northern area of the vineyard is used to grow four white varietals: Roussanne, Marsanne, Grenache blanc, and Vermentino.
The domain practices organic and biodynamic agriculture, and Sylavin works on the basis that what happens in the vineyard (ploughing, green harvests, organic methods) has more influence on the final result than the vinification. So you can imagine the care that goes into tending these vines. In the winery, maturation techniques depend on the cuvée and the precise provenance of the grapes.
Helped by his wife Désirée, Sylvain is proud to offer a range of rich, flavourful, and well-balanced wines that age with ease. With an emphasis on the fruit and an oaky nuance in the mx, these cuvées are real gems. Sylvain and Désirée are great ambassadors for the traditional heritage of the Languedoc, whilst also seeking out potential in new terroirs.
Wines from Domaine d’Aupilhac are available here
Wine producer group of the year: Vignerons des Terres Secrètes
Among the winners of this 2021 edition, the Burgundy cooperative Vignerons des Terres Secrètes was also awarded for its excellent work. A cooperative in the Mâconnais region with a unique cellar located near Solutré-Pouilly-Vergisson, these producers have been successful in obtaining the label ‘Sustainable development’ label. The objective is for this winery to become totally autonomous in terms of its energy supply.
Close to the earth, the Vignerons de Terres Secrètes follow their vines parcel by parcel. Specialists in Mâconnais wine, the cooperative has an in-depth understanding of their individual vineyards, thus crafting a veritable palette of white wines (Saint-Véran, Pouilly-Fuissé, Mâcon…), red wines (Mâcon, Bourgogne Pinot Noir, and Passe Tout Grain), and sparkling cuvées (Crémant de Bourgogne). There are around 100 wine producers associated with this cooperative, covering a total of 900 hectares of vines. The grapes are vinified across three sites that form a large domain. The cellar produces 5.6 million bottles in all, distributed to top restaurants and large retailers alike.
On the whole, these wines are round, warming, complex, and bright, carrying truly excellent aromatic palettes.
The whole iDealwine team would like to congratulate these talented producers for their excellent work!
