Château Raymond Lafon
Located in the heart of the Sauternes area, this winery comprises 18 hectares, 16 of which planted with 80% Sémillon and 20% Sauvignon Blanc. The maximum yield by law is 25 hectolitres per hectare. The yields at Raymond-Lafon average only 8 to 10 hectolitres per hectare; in other words, one vine will produce only one glass of delicious wine. Over several pickings, the grapes are harvested one by one according to their level of maturity. In some years, this can result in up to ten selected hand harvests. This alone lets one appreciate the great value of this wine.
While it could not benefit from the Grand Cru classification of 1855, since it was founded only a few years later, Château Raymond-Lafon has been rated as one of the top wineries since its inception. In 1972, Francine and Pierre Meslier became owners of the castle. Pierre Meslier, an agricultural engineer from Montpellier, was able to develop his great experience in the Sauternes region at the legendary Château d'Yquem, where he was in charge of vinification for 26 years. His quest for perfection and excellence modelled after Yquem was transferred to Raymond-Lafon of course, and later passed onto his children, who are now responsible for the estate.
Each vintage from Château Raymond-Lafon delights us with its specific characteristics, with a firework of aromas and subtle sweetness, whether you decide to drink it young or mature. Served slightly chilled as an aperitif, it stimulates the palate. Raymond-Lafon is also a festive wine, which is best suited to delicious goose liver, oysters, game and poultry, soft cheese as well as pastries and desserts of all kinds. It is worth trying various combinations. It is a veritable delicacy that you can enjoy at an affordable price when compared to many neighbouring estates, above all Château d'Yquem.
Sweet wines from Château Raymond Lafon
from Château Raymond Lafon
Producer
G. & J. Guillerault / Sebastian Fargette
Gilles Guillerault and Sébastien Fargette are based in Crézancy-en-Sancerre, a few kilometres west of Sancerre, in the Centre-Loire region. A lovely hilly landscape where vineyards alternate with charming villages. With around 2400 hectares of vineyards, Sancerre is a rather small wine-growing region. Only two grape varieties are cultivated, Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir.
Domaine Cornulus
What started out from humble beginnings over 20 years ago is now one of Valais’ flagship wineries and the byword for both a way of working in harmony with nature and premium wines, all of which strongly bring out their individual terroir.
Bodegas Ribas
We could talk about our winery of the year, Bodega Ribas on Mallorca, all day long. But it's best to see and read for yourself! We sent wine journalist Britta Wiegelmann and cameraman Felix Groteloh to experience the winery and the family at first hand. Araceli and Javier Servera Ribas, the brother and sister team behind the wines, tell us how the oldest existing winery on the island survived phylloxera, why they love their local grape, the Mantonegro, so much and what the sea has to do with it all.