Corbières

In 1998, Laetitia Ourliac and Rodolphe Gianesini found a somewhat forgotten vineyard of 18 acres in Escales near Lézignan in the appellation of Corbières.

For 6 years they undertook winemaking training and began the slow work required to develop their land in the ancient manner, by creating terraces and planting vines: Carignan, Syrah and Grenache for red wine and Grenache Blanc, Roussanne and Viognier for white - Fond Cyprès was born in 2004.

Since then they have both been working incredibly hard to find the identity of their vineyards: knowing each plot, each variety and developing a winemaking style that they believe in.

In truth it has all come together in extraordinarily successful style. These are today, in a short space of time, some of the best wines in the Languedoc - characterized by their attractive fragrance; elegant, silky texture and exquisite balance - you might think I am talking about fine Burgundy with those words and there is indeed a connection.

Rodolphe and Laetitia are great friends with Fred and Laure Cossard of Saint-Romain - Fred being one of the finest winemakers, natural or otherwise, on the planet!

Friendship with Fred leads to one thing, seriously great wine.

The farming here is organic, the winemaking is traditional, with natural yeasts and the wines are aged in seasoned Burgundian casks before being bottled unfiltered.

Fond Cyprès are a great discovery and will make anyone who drinks their soulful, joyous wines incredibly happy; the wines are today featured in all the hot spots in Paris and will no doubt be on allocation here in Australia.