Monopole


A Fench term referring to a single vineyard or Climat with just one owner.

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A Fench term referring to a single vineyard or Climat with just one owner.

Most commonly used in Burgundy where vineyard holdings have been divided through hereditary title. Upon the death of the owner the land is split equally between all children. It is common for a single vineyard to have multiple owners. The Grand Cru, Chambertin, in the village of Gevrey-Chambertin had 23 owners with 40 producers last time I looked. Each owner may have as little as a few rows of vines yielding just enough fruit to make a single barrel of wine.

Famous Monopoles include La Romanée-Conti, La Tâche (both owned by Domaine de la Romanée Conti) and La Grand Rue (Francois LaMarche) in Vosne-Romanée, Clos de Tart (owned by Francois Pinot of Latour since 2017) in Morey-Saint-Denis, and, Clos des Ruchottes (Armand Rousseau) in Gevrey-Chambertin.

Outside Burgundy think  Clos de la Coulée de Serrant, Château-Grillet and Trimbach’s Clos Sainte Hune.

Some clearly denote Monopole on the label others do not.

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Feeling Thirsty?

Nebbiolo from Verduno, Barolo

Vietti Barolo ‘Monvigliero’ 2021

This is the baby in the bunch, representing one of the newest additions to the Vietti portfolio, with the first vintage produced in 2018. The learning curve in Monvigliero is always steep, or so most winemakers tell me, because very few can go to 100% whole-cluster fermentation. Indeed, the 2021 Barolo Monvigliero sees 60% whole clusters. The Vietti team is experienced, and this wine is pristine. This vintage was harvested on September 30th, and maceration was a bit shorter, at 20 days. The wine

Vintage 2021
$575
$560ea in any 3+
$545ea in any 6+

Sangiovese from Montalcino, Tuscany

Voliero Brunello di Montalcino 2016

The sister to the Uccelliera brother, same winery, same maker, different fruit, and personality! Many who have tasted both the Uccelliera and Voliero Brunello over a number of years remark that they prefer the Uccelliera in the cooler years, and the Voliero in the bolder years. 2016 has somehow managed to make the choice a little harder.Give this just a little time to acclimatise to the world outside the bottle and you'll be greeted with welcoming arms. Voliero's 2016 Brunello has wonderful

Vintage 2016
$210
$200ea in any 3+
$190ea in any 6+
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Riesling from Mosel, Mosel-Saar-Ruwer

Joh Jos Prüm Wehlener Sonnenuhr Auslese Riesling GOLDKAPSEL HALF 2024

The 2024 Riesling Wehlener Sonnenuhr Auslese Goldkapsel is alive with citrus foliage, zest and the sweetest fruit aromas. Its tanginess tingles on the nose and continues right on the palate. Vivid freshness and poise define pale white peach flesh on the palate, tempered by a gorgeous, tangy orange peel note that attains a subtle edge of candy. The 2024 is superbly fine, stony, linear and, of course, delicious. It is so poised and clean. Anne Krebiehl MW, Vinous 97 Points

Vintage 2024 375ml
$173
$166ea in any 3+
$159ea in any 6+
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Albariño from Val do Salnés, Rìas Baixas

Zárate Albariño ‘El Palomar’ 2021

170 year old pre-phylloxera vines.Skin contact and oxidative handling are beautifully balanced. Savoury and earthy with that Albariño fresh green herb hit. Fascinating to watch it freshen in the glass, bruised apple falls away & the fruit shines. A fine phenolic grip & spice from the skin contact add intrigue.Opens beautifully on both nose and palate over several hours, intensity builds & it flows gracefully. Keeps getting fresher, and fresher. A clear sign of quality f

Vintage 2021
$160
$153ea in any 3+
$146ea in any 6+