New Arrivals Fontana, Cortese and Pouillon

The most controversial offer from us yet! Welcome to our Piemontese friends as well as Champagne R Pouillon just to retain a little comfort for our Francophiles. 

 

• Champagne R Pouillon, Mareuil-sur-Aÿ
• Guiseppe Cortese, Barberesco
• Cascina Fontana, Barolo

 

Information on the producers and the wines below. 

 

Click Here to Order Online

 

 

Champagne R. Pouillon
Located in the premier cru village of Mareuil-sur-Aÿ, Champagne R. Pouillon is a family-owned estate committed to natural viticulture and meticulous craftsmanship. Fabrice Pouillon, the current custodian, embraces sustainable and organic vineyard management practices, emphasising biodiversity, healthy soil microbiology, and minimal intervention. The grapes are hand-harvested, carefully sorted, and gently pressed. Natural fermentations are conducted using indigenous yeasts, primarily in neutral oak barrels or small stainless-steel tanks, allowing each plot's terroir to shine.

Notably, Fabrice employs his unique "Méthode Fabrice Pouillon," in which the traditional "liqueur de expedition" used in dosage is replaced by a small addition of naturally sweet, unfermented grape juice. This approach enhances freshness, purity, and precise fruit expression, creating Champagnes with remarkable clarity and authenticity.

 

 

Champagne R. Pouillon Grande Vallée NV

750ml: $135

1500ml: $299

• Grape varieties: Pinot Noir (majority), Chardonnay

• Dosage: 2 g/L (Méthode Fabrice Pouillon)

• Vinification: Indigenous yeast fermentation, neutral oak barrels, partial malolactic. Drawn from two foudre that hold a Solera styled cuvee back to 1997.

• Aging: 24 months on lees minimum

• Terroir: Premier Cru parcels in Grande Vallée

“Grande Vallée isn’t a non-vintage wine or even a natural evolution of Réserve Champagne. Indeed, it’s so much more. It’s a synthesis of the philosophy of Mareuil’s vintner with regard to vine growing and winemaking. Or better still, it’s Fabrice himself!”

Alberto Lupetti, Grandi Champagne in Rome.

 

 

Champagne R. Pouillon Rosé NV

750ml: $196

1500ml: $399

• Grape varieties: Pinot Noir (majority), Chardonnay

• Dosage: 5 g/L (Méthode Fabrice Pouillon)

• Vinification: Natural fermentation, small barrel aging, gentle addition of estate-grown Pinot Noir red wine

• Aging: Minimum 24 months on lees

• Terroir: Clay-limestone Premier Cru vineyards, Mareuil-sur-Aÿ

“This is a highly intense macerated rosé, with unabashed color, juiciness and generous flavor. For me, it’s a strong commitment and a genuine distinctive symbol. Emotion grows from one sip to the next!”

Marie-Dominique Bradford MW, Trois Fois Vin in Paris

Single Vineyard & Vintage Cuvées:

 

Champagne R. Pouillon Les Terres Froides 2019

750ml: $196

• Grape varieties: 100% Chardonnay

• Dosage: ~2-3 g/L (Méthode Fabrice Pouillon)

• Vinification: Natural fermentation in neutral oak

• Aging: Approximately 30 months on lees

• Terroir: Cool, north-facing limestone vineyard site. Montagne de Reims, a 40 year old parcel facing Bouzy.

“When you first discover it, you’ll think that it’s aptly named, as it has some difficulty opening up, and is even timid! But don’t be fooled by appearances and let it evolve. You’re going to be charmed by its freshness, minerality and length, thereby encouraging you to take your time, and to share such a bottle.”

Stéphane Arion, Le Glue Pot restaurant in Reims.

 

Champagne R. Pouillon Le Montgruguet 2019

750ml: $237

• Grape varieties: Pinot Noir dominant, small Chardonnay

• Dosage: ~3 g/L (Méthode Fabrice Pouillon)

• Vinification: Natural yeast barrel fermentation, partial malolactic

• Aging: Around 36 months on lees

• Terroir: Clay-limestone soils, excellent sun exposure

“For me, Le Montgruguet is part of a family that has just welcomed a new baby. And I compare it of course to its siblings. It’s similar to them, but with something different, that becomes increasingly apparent each and every year. I’m witnessing the transformation of this wine from a spectacular terroir, offering an original version of pinot noir, which evolves from sheer limestone to distinct texture and sophistication. I can’t wait to see it grow up!”

Craig Perman, Perman Wine Selections in Chicago.

 

Champagne R. Pouillon 2018 "Les Terres Froides" 

750ml: $196

• Grape varieties: 100% Chardonnay

• Dosage: ~2-3 g/L (Méthode Fabrice Pouillon)

• Vinification: Natural fermentation, barrel aging

• Aging: Approx. 36 months on lees

• Terroir: Chalky subsoils, cool vineyard orientation

 

Champagne R. Pouillon Les Chataigniers 2018

750ml: $237

• Grape varieties: 100% Pinot Meunier

• Dosage: ~3 g/L (Méthode Fabrice Pouillon)

• Vinification: Indigenous yeast barrel fermentation

• Aging: Approx. 36 months on lees

• Terroir: Clay-dominated

 

Champagne R. Pouillon Les Chataigniers 2017

750ml: $237

• Grape varieties: 100% Pinot Meunier

• Dosage: ~3 g/L (Méthode Fabrice Pouillon)

• Vinification: Natural fermentation in barrel

• Aging: Approx. 36 months on lees

• Terroir: Clay-dominated

 

Champagne R. Pouillon Les Valnons 2016

750ml: $299

1500ml: $650

• Grape varieties: 100% Chardonnay

• Dosage: ~3-4 g/L (Méthode Fabrice Pouillon)

• Vinification: Indigenous yeast fermentation, aged in oak

• Aging: Approx. 48 months on lees

• Terroir: South-facing, clay-limestone site

I discovered Aÿ with chardonnay, which is pretty rare in this pinot noir stronghold. And this wine is as rare here as its variety. What energy! Its bubbles are like tiny fresh marbles exploding on the palate and liberating such an impression of salinity that you end up enjoying another glass! At room temperature, it becomes floral and creamy. Boasting density and matter, this Champagne is worthy of the finest chardonnays and wins over sparkling wine sceptics!”

Gineste Anthony, sommelier at the restaurant La Table du Square in Beaune.

 

Champagne R. Pouillon 2015 'Les Valnons' 

750ml: $299

• Grape varieties: 100% Chardonnay

• Dosage: ~2-3 g/L (Méthode Fabrice Pouillon)

• Vinification: Natural barrel fermentation, extended lees aging

• Aging: Approx. 60 months on lees

• Terroir: Chalky-clay, silt soils. West facing

 

Champagne R. Pouillon Les Blanchiens 2016

750ml: $307

1500ml: $678

• Grape varieties: 50% Chardonnay, 50% Pinot Noir

• Dosage:  (Méthode Fabrice Pouillon)

• Vinification: Natural barrel fermentation, extended lees aging

• Aging: Approx. 60 months on lees

• Terroir: Marieul sur Ay, south facing and mid slope. Clay laden soils on limestone.

 

Champagne R. Pouillon 2015 'Les Blanchiens' 

750ml: $299

• Grape varieties: 50% Chardonnay, 50% Pinot Noir

• Dosage:  (Méthode Fabrice Pouillon)

• Vinification: Natural barrel fermentation, extended lees aging

• Aging: Approx. 60 months on lees

• Terroir: Marieul sur Ay, south facing and mid slope. Clay laden soils on limestone.

2022 Giuseppe Cortese Langhe Dolcetto

750ml: $42

• Grape Variety: 100% Dolcetto

• Vineyard: 35 year old vines, calcareous-clay soils, 1.2 hectares. westerly exposure

• Vinification: Natural fermentation, brief maceration (~7-10 days) in stainless steel tanks

• Aging: 6 months stainless steel (no oak)

• Character: Juicy black fruits, vibrant freshness, soft tannins

This has more of an earthy character with chocolate and hazelnuts with ripe, wild berries in the background. Medium-bodied with depth and succulence to the fruit and polished tannin structure. Chalky and mineral on the finish with hints of herbs and spices. Drink now.

91 points, James Suckling

 It is a very pretty, floral wine with lovely red cherry fruit and fine balance.This mid-weight old school wine is an absolute delight . The style is one more of restraint and freshness rather than power.

90 points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous.com

2022 Giuseppe Cortese Barbera d'Alba

750ml: $48

• Grape Variety: 100% Barbera

• Vineyard: Clay-limestone soils, moderate slopes, .7 hectare with westerly exposure.

• Vinification: Spontaneous fermentation, maceration (20 days) stainless steel tanks

• Aging: Stainless steel

• Character: Rich dark fruit, lively acidity, moderate oak spice

 

A mix of red and purple fruit with hints of lilacs, red flowers and candied orange peel. Medium-bodied with vivid and tense acidity. Juicy and crunchy with a polished finish. Drink now.

90 points. James Suckling

The wine is a gorgeous entry-level. Bright red cherry/strawberry fruit, spice and lifted floreal accents all grace this refreshing, vibrant wine. Medium in body with terrific purity, the wine is an absolute delight.

90 points. Antonio Galloni, Vinous

2021 Giuseppe Cortese Langhe Nebbiolo

750ml: $62

1500ml: $135

• Grape Variety: 100% Nebbiolo

• Vineyard: Young vines within Barbaresco area, calcareous marl soils. 1.5 hectares.

• Vinification: Indigenous yeast fermentation, gentle extraction, 15-18 days maceration in stainless steel

• Aging: 12 months large Slavonian oak

• Character: Floral elegance, red berries, delicate tannins, subtle spice

The wine emerges from young vines in Trifolera. It’s a gorgeous entry level wine with tons of Nebbiolo character and fine balance. Sweet red cherry fruit, mint , spice, and star onise are nicely lifted by bright acids. Firm, youthful Nebbiolo tannins extend the finish.This is such a gorgeous wine.

92 points. Antonio Galloni, Vinous

Notes of ground spices, dried rosemary and walnuts with dried cherries and plum skins. Medium-bodied, tense and crunchy with chalky tannins and mineral undertones to the finish. Refined and balanced. Drink now

91 points. James Suckling

2020 Giuseppe Cortese Barbaresco

750ml: $102

1500ml: $234

• Grape Variety: 100% Nebbiolo

• Vineyard: Blend of estate parcels around Barbaresco village, limestone-rich marl soils

• Vinification: Indigenous yeast fermentation, extended maceration (~20 days) stainless steel vats with daily pump-overs and gentle punch-downs

• Aging: 18 months Slavonian oak casks, bottle aging

• Character: Bright cherry, dried roses, licorice, structured tannins, elegant finish

 

2019 Giuseppe Cortese Barbaresco

750ml: $102

• Grape Variety: 100% Nebbiolo

• Vineyard: Selected parcels within Barbaresco, clay-calcareous soils, south-west exposure

• Vinification: Traditional spontaneous fermentation, maceration (~30 days), controlled extraction

• Aging: 18 months in Slavonian oak barrels ranging in size of 17 to 25 hectolitres and in age of 5/6 years minimum. Minimum 6 months of maturing in the bottle before being released for sale.

• Character: Refined tannins, cherry, raspberry, floral notes, mineral depth

 

“Fragrant purple flower, red berry and wild herb aromas mingle in the glass together with a whiff of camphor. Tightly wound and linear, the youthfully austere palate shows crushed raspberry, Marasca cherry and star anise framed in taut, tightly knit tannins and bright acidity.”

95 points. Wine Enthusiast. Editors choice.

The 2019 Barbaresco is classy, elegant and polished. In other words, everything Barbaresco can and should be. Rose petal, bright red fruit, orange peel and cinnamon all grace this exquisite Barbaresco from Cortese. It's a gorgeous wine in every way.

92 points. Antonio Galloni, Vinous

“Here’s a good value from Piedmont. The Giuseppe Cortese 2019 Barbaresco is fine and silky with determined aromas of dried fruit, pressed rose, licorice and crushed stone. The wine shows classic Nebbiolo aromas in a simple manner and with just enough complexity to underline the distinct personality of this special grape.”

92 points. Wine Advocate

Lovely aromas of strawberry, cherry and orange leaf. Mediumbodied with fine and polished tannins and pretty tension and focus. Needs a year or two to open, but already attractive. Drink or hold.

92 points. James Suckling

 

2018 Giuseppe Cortese Barbaresco

750ml: $102

• Grape Variety: 100% Nebbiolo

• Vineyard: Estate parcels with varying exposures, predominantly calcareous marl soils

• Vinification: Indigenous yeast, stainless steel fermentation (~30 days), careful extraction

• Aging: 18 months Slavonian oak casks, further bottle aging

• Character: Delicate red fruits, roses, spice, smooth texture, elegant finish

“Camphor, rose and red berry aromas shape the enticing nose on this savory red. The linear, structured palate is all about finesse, featuring ripe Morello cherry, crushed strawberry and star anise alongside taut, polished tannins and fresh acidity.”

94 points. Wine Enthusiast.

“The 2018 Barbaresco shows a slightly sweet side with dried plum or cherry confit. But there is a tart fruit and savory side as well that veers toward grilled rosemary, spice and iron ore. These unfold quickly as the wine takes on more air in the glass. These results are accessible and very pretty. The wine awards you a straight-shooting expression of Barbaresco that is balanced and proper.”

92 points. Wine Advocate

Pretty nose of wild red fruit, fresh nuts and flowers. A tinge of orange rind rounds it off nicely. Medium-bodied with well-placed nebbiolo acidity and lightly firm tannins that do little to impede the overall freshness. Good, balanced length. This is in a good place now, but will be even better from 2023.

92 points. James Suckling

“The 2018 Barbaresco is fruity and easy to like; all of which make it an excellent choice for drinking now and over the next decade. Sweet red berry fruit and floral notes are laced together in this translucent, enticing Barbaresco from Cortese. The 2018 is not terribly complex, but it is well balanced and harmonious from start to finish.”

91 points. Antonio Galloni, Vinous

2020 Giuseppe Cortese Barbaresco Rabajà

750ml: $164

• Grape Variety: 100% Nebbiolo

• Vineyard: Rabajà Cru – Steep, south/southwest slopes, renowned calcareous marl and clay soils. 50 year old vines.

• Vinification: Spontaneous fermentation, extended maceration (30 days), stainless steel and old cement tanks.

• Aging: 20/22 months in Slavonian oak barrels ranging in size of 17 to 25 hectolitres and in age of 5/6 years minimum. Minimum 10 months of maturing in the bottle before being released for sale.

• Character: Powerful, yet refined structure, cherry, violets, tar, licorice, great aging potential

 

"Made from fifty-year old vines, the compelling Giuseppe Cortese 2020 Rabajà is one of the best wines of the vintage. It opens with perfumed berry, fragrant purple flower and vineyard dust. It’s absolutely delicious, delivering Jolly Rancher cherry, strawberry compote and baking spice flavors before an almost salty mineral finish. It’s structured and full-bodied, with tightly knit tannins while fresh acidity keeps it balanced. Drink 2026–2039

97 points. kerin O'Keefe

The wine is a total knock-out. Dark, layered and misterious, the wine is pure seduction.All the elements are so well put together for a young Barbaresco. Black cherry, kirsch, lavander, spice and dried herbs all build in a super classical wine that deliver the goods, Don’y miss it. 

95 points. Antonio Galloni, Vinous

Notes of raspberries, blood orange, ground spices and tree bark. Mediumbodied with juicy acidity, polished tannins and vivid red fruit character. Savory and pure with a supple finish and spiced citrus peel undertones to it. Better from 2025. 

94 points. James Suckling

“With earthy notes and some rusty tones, the 2020 Barbaresco Rabajà shows generous fruit flavors from a warm growing season. The wine is open and immediate, requiring not much in terms of waiting time. In fact, it is showing very nicely at this young age with cherry, earth and rose-like aromas to close.” 

93 points. Wine Advocate

2019 Giuseppe Cortese Barbaresco Rabajà

750ml: $152

• Grape Variety: 100% Nebbiolo

• Vineyard: Rabajà Cru – Steep, south/southwest slopes, renowned calcareous marl and clay soils. 50 year old vines.

• Vinification: Spontaneous fermentation, extended maceration (30 days), stainless steel and old cement tanks.

• Aging: 20/22 months in Slavonian oak barrels ranging in size of 17 to 25 hectolitres and in age of 5/6 years minimum. Minimum 10 months of maturing in the bottle before being released for sale.

• Character: Powerful, yet refined structure, cherry, violets, tar, licorice, great aging potential

“Enticing scents of blue flower, crushed mint, berry and vineyard dust form the nose along with a whiff of new leather. The firmly structured, focused palate shows cherry marinated in spirits, black raspberry and licorice alongside a backbone of fine-grained tannins. It’s well-balanced, with vibrant acidity.”

96 points. Wine Enthusiast

The 2019 Barbaresco Rabajà is a powerful, austere wine that is going to need a number of years to come around. I very much like the energy, but readers should not plan on opening a bottle any time soon, as the 2019 is seriously tannic and shut down at the moment. It’s a gorgeous Barbaresco that shows the more elegant hand that defines the approach today. 

94 points. Antonio Galloni, Vinous

Lustrous mid ruby. Concentrated yet noble red-fruit nose that is still a little youthful and with minty hints. Youthful raspberry palate with lots of acidity and long finely chiselled tannins. Still a little embryonic. A thoroughbred. 

18/20 Jancis Robinson

“With fruit from the village of Barbaresco, the 2019 Barbaresco Rabajà is glossy and bright with dried berry, cassis, aniseed and candied orange peel. This silky wine offers medium length, silky tannins and easy freshness.” 

93 points. Wine Advocate

Sliced strawberry with citrus and rosebush aromas that follow through to a medium body with firm, chewy tannins. Yet, there’s polish and finesse to it. Needs time to soften. Best after 2025.

93 points. James Suckling

2016 Giuseppe Cortese Barbaresco Rabajà Riserva

750ml: $346

This wine is mind bogglingly good. If this is close to your budget, DO NOT MISS

• Grape Variety: 100% Nebbiolo

• Vineyard: Exceptional parcels within Rabajà Cru, steep slopes, older vines, limestone-rich soils providing complexity and longevity

• Vinification: Indigenous yeast fermentation, meticulous extraction through extended maceration (35 days) stainless steel vats and old cement tanks, daily gentle punch-downs

• Aging: Minimum 36 months in large Slavonian oak casks, significant bottle aging (36 months min.) prior to release.

• Character: Exceptional structure, complexity, layers of ripe cherries, truffle, spice, tobacco, velvety tannins, extraordinary aging potential

The 2016 Rabajà Riserva is drop-dead gorgeous, starting with its luminous ruby color and beautiful aromas of forest berry, rose, iris, menthol and star anise. Full-bodied, delicious and focused, the elegantly structured palate features juicy black cherry, crushed raspberry, licorice and saline mineral notes before a minty close. While expressive and savory, it also shows the restraint of the best world-class wines and is beautifully balanced, with polished tannins and fresh acidity. What a stunner. Drink 2024–2036

99 points. Kerin O'Keefe

Fully saturated red. Very fresh aromas of balsamic oils and mint complement sour red cherry, redcurrant and star anise aromas. Then also extremely pure red cherry flavours in the mouth, that are nicely complemented by hints of mint, star anise, and sage; this wine’s deep, rich, complex personality really builds and builds with aeration. Finishes long with loads of minerality and noteworthy chewy but noble tannic clout. This is really a great Barbaresco Riserva, magically able to deliver a combination of power and grace at every sip. Drinking window: 2026-2046 

97+ points. Ian d'Agata, Terroir Sense

The wine is stellar. Just starting to open aromatically, the wine is superb in the tasting. Sweet macerated cherry, spice, new lather, tobacco and dried herbs all grace the wine with notable aromatic complexity. As always the wine is an ethereal, engaging wine with less immediacy and mid-palate than other Barbaresco but in exchange tons of nuance. This s the best showing yet for this label, a wine that satisfies both the hedonistic and intellectual senses. 

97 points. Antonio Galloni, Vinous

“The Giuseppe Cortese 2016 Barbaresco Riserva Rabajà is a late release and one I am sure this winery is quite happy to see go to market given the hype surrounding this excellent vintage. There is a very pretty smoothness here, both in terms of the aromatic delivery and the mouthfeel, which shows how nicely Nebbiolo can reach balance. The bouquet is lithe and delicate with wild berry, crushed rose petal, white licorice and campfire ash.” 

95 points. Wine Advocate

“Packed with sweet, ripe cherry, raspberry, rose, mineral and spice flavors, this red is also fluid and balanced, driven by lively acidity and firm, well-integrated tannins. Fresh, invigorating and long, this is approachable now, yet will be better in 2-3 years.”

94 points. Wine Spectator

“The aromas of rose stems and black cherries with some redcurrants are enticing. Also bark and earth. It’s full-to medium-bodied with very fine tannins and a fresh and bright finish. It’s just starting to open now and shows such finesse and beauty.”

94 points. James Suckling

Cascina Fontana – Barolo, Piedmont, Italy
Cascina Fontana, situated in the heart of the Barolo region (Le Langhe) in Piedmont, is a small, traditional family winery run by Mario Fontana. Known for classic, artisanal wines produced with an unwavering respect for tradition, Mario manages his vineyards organically, focusing on meticulous hand-harvesting and strict grape selection. Wines ferment naturally using indigenous yeasts and are typically fermented in cement or stainless steel, followed by extended aging in large Slavonian oak casks ("botti") to retain purity, structure, and clear vineyard expression. The minimal-intervention approach yields authentic, expressive, and elegantly structured wines.

2022 Cascina Fontana Dolcetto d'Alba DOC

750ml: $48

2021 Cascina Fontana Dolcetto d'Alba DOC

750ml: $48

• Grape Variety: 100% Dolcetto

• Vineyard: Clay-limestone soils, younger vines

• Vinification: Indigenous fermentation in stainless steel tanks, short maceration 

• Aging: 6-8 months in stainless steel tanks

• Character: Fresh, juicy fruit, vibrant cherry, moderate tannins

2021 Cascina Fontana Barbera d'Alba DOC

750ml: $65

2020 Cascina Fontana Barbera d'Alba DOC

750ml: $65

• Grape Variety: 100% Barbera

• Vineyard: Clay-limestone soils, medium-aged vines

• Vinification: Spontaneous fermentation in stainless steel tanks, moderate maceration (~10-12 days)

• Aging: 12 months Slavonian oak casks and old cement tanks

• Character: Rich dark fruit, balanced acidity, medium-bodied elegance

2021 Cascina Fontana Langhe Nebbiolo DOC

750ml: $79

2020 Cascina Fontana Langhe Nebbiolo DOC  

750ml: $79

• Grape Variety: 100% Nebbiolo

• Vineyard: Younger vines from Barolo parcels, clay-limestone soils. From Castello, Mombello and a smaller portion from Il Pozzo (Castiglione Falletto).

• Vinification: Indigenous yeast fermentation, stainless steel vats (~15-18 days maceration)

• Aging: 12-15 months large Slavonian oak casks

• Character: Red fruit aromas, floral notes, gentle spice, approachable structure

2019 Cascina Fontana Barolo DOCG

750ml: $196

1500ml: $394

3000ml: $823

2018 Cascina Fontana Barolo DOCG

750ml: $164

1500ml: $328

3000ml: $726

2017 Cascina Fontana Barolo DOCG

750ml: $164

1500ml: $328

3000ml: $726

• Grape Variety: 100% Nebbiolo

• Vineyard: Blend from Castiglione Falletto, La Morra, Monforte parcels; calcareous-marl soils

• Vinification: Natural yeast fermentation in cement/stainless steel, extended maceration (~25-30 days)

• Aging: Minimum 24 months Slavonian oak barrels, extended bottle aging

• Character: Structured, elegant, red cherries, dried roses, spice, refined tannins

2019 Cascina Fontana Barolo DOCG del Comune di Castiglione Falletto

750ml: $239

1500ml: $478

3000ml: $988

• Grape Variety: 100% Nebbiolo

• Vineyard: Exclusive selection of parcels from Castiglione Falletto; renowned for marl-calcareous soils, steep south/southwest exposure

• Vinification: Indigenous yeast fermentation, long traditional maceration (~30 days), controlled extraction

• Aging: Minimum 24 months large Slavonian oak, additional bottle maturation

• Character: Rich complexity, cherry compote, violet, truffle, elegant tannic structure, excellent aging potential