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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Marcarini Barolo ‘La Serra’ 2016

Nebbiolo | Piedmont, Barolo

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$175
$168ea in any 3+
$161ea in any 6+
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Dry - up to 60 g/l
A fantastic entrée to D’Oliveiras range, with an enticing nose with notes of bitter orange, raisined fruit, sweet spice and a touch of charred wood. Lithe and lively on the palate with an excellent balance of fresh acidity, sweet citrus and an almost meaty, rancio nuttiness.
$85
$81ea in any 3+
$77ea in any 6+

Artuke ‘La Condenada’ Rioja Tinto 2021

Red Blend | Spain, Alavesa

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$229
$219ea in any 3+
$209ea in any 6+

Wendouree Cabernet Malbec 2023

Red Blend | South Australia, Australia

AP Birks Wendouree Cellars produce some of the very few wines I’ll buy without tasting! The wines are something special. A celebration of an incredible old vineyard with plantings from the late 1800s. Tony & Lita are custodians of something truly special!Around 30% Malbec and comes from 1975 Central, 1920 Eastern, and 1989 Western vineyards.The blend of Cabernet and Malbec is well known throughout the world. Along with Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, they are two of the va