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Producers

Ampeleia

Ampeleia

Italy Italy

Just steps away from the Tyrrhenian Sea and the medieval hills of Roccatederighi in western Tuscany, Ampeleia is a shining example of modern biodynamic winemaking, where tradition meets youthful energy and innovation. Founded in the early 2000s, the heart of the winery is Marco Tait – a charismatic winemaker who took over the estate at just 22 years old. Under his guidance, the Ampeleia team, composed of passionate and curious young individuals, strives to create natural wines that reflect the terroir, while respecting the environment and the local landscape. The estate quickly transitioned from organic to biodynamic practices and is now fully certified as a biodynamic farm. Wine Style Ampeleia wines are known for their natural character, freshness, and pure aromatic expression. At the core of the estate is the Cabernet Franc grape, which the winemakers believe best represents the identity of Roccatederighi – from mineral-laden slopes to coastal breezes. Other highlights include Rhône Valley varieties such as Grenache (locally known as Alicante Nero), Carignan, and Mourvèdre, which form the base of juicy, vibrant wines like Unlitro – a stylish, easy-drinking red wine bottled in unique 1-liter formats. Vineyards Ampeleia oversees vineyards at various altitudes, ranging from 200 to 600 meters above sea level in the Maremma hills. This diversity allows the production of complex, elegant wines with a strong sense of origin. The estate follows sustainable agricultural practices: no pesticides are used, fertilizers are of natural origin, and vineyard work is guided by the lunar calendar. Aging and Drinking Window Most Ampeleia wines are aged in concrete or large oak casks, avoiding the influence of new oak. This helps preserve the wine's authenticity and fruit-forward profile. While these wines are beautifully expressive when young, many of them also have aging potential, particularly the higher-quality reds. Today, Ampeleia is considered one of the most exciting biodynamic wineries in Tuscany, admired not only for its quality wines but also for its values – openness, community, and a deep connection to nature.

Armand Heitz

Armand Heitz

France France

Armand Heitz, based in Chassagne-Montrachet, entered the Burgundy wine scene only in 2013. After two years of experimentation, solidifying his acquired knowledge from studies in Switzerland, he took over the historic family vineyards, which had been leased to Maison Drouhin for many years. Armand gradually took over the vineyards, and together with Ludovic Pierrot, a long-time oenologist at Domaine Leflaive, set a goal to create aromatic and expressive Burgundy wine, revealing the unique terroir according to classic winemaking traditions. Armand Heitz's ideal of Burgundy wine is the elite Domaine Leflaive and Domaine Ramonet, whose path he follows. The winemaker promotes environmentally friendly biodynamic winemaking, low yields, moderate use of oak barrels (15–25% new oak), and terroir expression. Wine Style: Armand Heitz wine is expressive, with exceptional balance, enjoyable both upon release and when mature, perfectly revealing its origin vineyard. White wine is characterized by distinct minerality, full texture, expressive, pure aroma, and perfectly integrated oak character. Red wine is aromatic, with polished tannins, juicy, and dominated by red berry character.Prestigious Vineyards: The winery owns prestigious vineyards, acquired since 1857. Among them, the following stand out: Meursault 1er Cru Perrières – one of the best vineyards in the region. Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Têtes de Clos – the winery's pride. Grand Cru Montrachet and Chevalier-Montrachet – top-class vineyards. Pommard 1er Cru Les Rugiens and Volnay 1er Cru Les Taillepieds – comparable in quality to Grand Cru vineyards. These are complemented by less famous but characteristically distinct Chassagne, Meursault, and Pommard vineyards. Aging and Drinking Period: One of the greatest advantages of Armand Heitz wine is its style, which allows enjoyment of the wines in their youth. They are perfectly balanced and delicious immediately, but also have the potential to mature and develop successfully over time.

Azienda Agricola Elio Altare

Azienda Agricola Elio Altare

The Altare family was originally from the town of Dogliani before buying the farm in La Morra. Back then, the estate covered 5 hectares of Nebbiolo, Barbera and dolcetto vineyards, along with some peach, hazelnut and apple trees. Those were times when orchards gave higher yields and more profits than vineyards. Back then it wasn’t easy, given the economic crisis that lasted for years. Elio, along with other friends, decided to learn more about winemaking by traveling beyond the borders of Piemonte, trying to learn from the success that other regions were enjoying. Their first trip to Burgundy, in January 1976, was a revelation, and when Elio got back home he knew there were major changes to be made. He wasn't afraid: he grabbed a chainsaw as if it was a sword, and first he cut down the fruit trees in the orchard, then he chopped up the big old wooden tanks in the cellar into firewood. In this way, he made room for his first brand-new barrique. His father Giovanni didn't understand him. His son's radical decisions were too far from his way of thinking. Being from an older generation and poorer times, he was not able to accept what he thought was an offense against common sense and tradition, and because of their different opinions, Giovanni and Elio’s relationship fell into silence. He died in 1985 and tragically disinherited Elio. Elio continued to work while he bought back the winery and vineyards from his siblings. Elio stood firm then and still does today. His decisions marked a radical change of direction and give a different interpretation to the family's wine, favoring elegance, finesse, and balance, following a strict regime in the vineyards, and adopting new vinification and aging techniques in the cellar. The farm is still family-managed today. In 2003, Silvia – Elio’s oldest daughter – began working beside him, while Elena, his younger daughter, moved to Germany, where she runs a wine importing company. Up to today we farm about 10 hectares with an average production of 70,000 bottles.