Collection: Buy Fine Wines

What is a Fine wine? 

When one thinks of Grand Vin, Bordeaux and its Grands Crus Classés immediately come to mind, accompanied by the Burgundy and its magical Premiers Crus and Grands Crus. Some sublime appellations from the Rhône Valley also come to mind, such as Côte Rôtie, Condrieu, Hermitage or Châteauneuf-du-Pape. However, make no mistake, all regions of France are teeming with fascinating vintages !

Languedoc-Roussillon offers notably very great red wines, powerful, intense and with good aging potential where Syrah, the Grenache, the Mourvèdre or even the Carignan play key roles.

Provence, mainly known for its rosés (some of which are also great wines, like the rosés from the AOC Bandol) also offers us its share of gems. The white wines of Provence, particularly those based on the brilliant grape variety Rolle (Vermentino) or the red wines of the region can also leave an unforgettable impression.

Alsace and its magnificent mineral white wines or some of its sweet wines also leave an indelible mark. Here, Riesling, Gewurztraminer and even Pinot Gris are the kings. The Pinot Noirs of the region can also be delicious.

Champagne offers us the finest and most beautiful bubbles in the world, and some of its wines (notably the vintage ones) are incredible aging cuvées where Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier offer unique aromatics of great presence.

Let's not forget the Beaujolais, a region too often criticized yet honoring the magnificent Gamay. This great grape variety can indeed be astonishing in power and class !

Finally, Loire and its magical grape varieties Chenin, Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc are also part of the offering.

The grape varieties used

Another fundamental criterion in choosing a great wine is the grape variety, that is, the type of grape used to produce the wine. The grape variety (or variety) directly influences the aromatic profile, structure, and balance of the wine. Each grape variety has unique characteristics that manifest in the glass and can transform a simple bottle into an unforgettable sensory experience.

For example, the Cabernet Sauvignon, mainly grown in Bordeaux, produces powerful red wines, tannic and rich in black fruit aromas. Perfect for lovers of structured red wines that are suitable for aging ! Conversely, the  Pinot Noir, an emblematic variety of Burgundy, produces lighter and elegant wines (but often very deep), with aromas of fresh red fruits, offering a silky texture and beautiful finesse.

Other great red wines, notably those from the Rhône Valley or Languedoc-Roussillon, are made from grape varieties such as Syrah, Mourvèdre,  Carignan or even Grenache. These varieties, often used in blends, bring spicy, peppery aromas and sometimes even notes of garrigue, thus offering rich, deep, and generous wines.

On the white wine side, Chardonnay is a flagship grape variety, especially in Burgundy. It allows the production of wines with great aromatic complexity, ranging from freshness and minerality to roundness and buttery aromas when vinified in oak barrels. As for Sauvignon Blanc, it is famous for its lively, fresh, and aromatic wines, often marked by citrus and boxwood notes, perfect for pairing with seafood or salads.

The best appellations of Great Wines to discover

Whether you are passionate about intense red wines, subtle whites, or champagnes, each terroir reveals a unique character. Discover below the best of the great wine appellations not to be missed:

Burgundy

Chablis (notably Grand Cru and Premier Cru), Gevrey-Chambertin, Puligny-Montrachet, Beaune, Meursault, Pommard, Givry, Saint-Véran, and Pouilly-Fuissé are brimming with magnificent vintages.

Bordeaux

Pomerol, Saint-Emilion Grand Cru, Pessac-Léognan, Sauternes Margaux Grand Cru, Saint-Julien, Pauillac, and Saint-Estèphe are all very solid values in the region.

Languedoc-Roussillon

Pic-Saint-Loup, Terrasses du Larzac, Maury or even IGP Côtes Catalanes are appellations full of surprises where great wines abound !

Rhône Valley

Hermitage, Condrieu, Côte Rôtie, Saint-Joseph, Saint-Péray, Cornas, Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Such great names for our greatest pleasure !

Of course, all these regions and appellations are not the only ones capable of offering great wines. Alsace, Provence, Jura, and other countries around the world like Italy and Spain are full of treasures to discover.

How to choose a fine wine?

Choosing a fine wine is not just about its price or the prestigious label of a renowned estate. Several criteria must indeed be considered to ensure a successful selection.

The importance of the estate or château

First of all, the origin plays a fundamental role. The appellations of Bordeaux, Burgundy, or even Saint-Émilion are essential references for fine wine enthusiasts. Each region offers unique characteristics that influence the quality and expression of the wines.

For lovers of great red wines, here are some must-visit estates where you can find your bottle:

• Château Calon-Ségur (Saint-Estèphe): The Grand red wine from this Grand Cru Classé estate is powerful, structured, and with a magnificent length. A superb reflection of its appellation.

• Château Bouscassé (Madiran): This southwestern estate is famous for its intense and deep red wines.Perfect for those who appreciate well-present tannins and great complexity on the palate!

• Château Montus (Madiran): Another property of winemaker Alain Brumont, this renowned château from the southwest is distinguished by its elegant and racy vintages, offering great aging potential and incomparable finesse.

If you are looking for an elegant and refined white, Burgundy offers exceptional references. Among the must-know domains, we include:

• Domaine Alain Chavy: this domain is known and recognized for its exceptional Puligny-Montrachet

• Domaine Cheveau: this property enhances the Mâconnais with wines of beautiful tension.

• Domaine Decelle & Fils: A domain offering a wide range composed of expressive and precise white wines as well as red wines of great elegance.

• Domaine François Raquillet: this property based on the AOC Mercurey is one of the best in its appellation. Chardonnay and Pinot noir are elevated here.

• Domaine Garnier & Fils: The two Garnier brothers express all the minerality of the Chablis terroir within their estate. Premier Crus and Grand Crus here are of a very high level.

• Domaine Jacques Prieur: A symbol of excellence in Burgundy, this estate offers refined cuvées with incredible depth across a large number of appellations within the region. An absolute must !

If you prefer rosé wine, theChâteau Sainte Marguerite, located in AOC Côtes-de-Provence, is also an essential choice. This prestigious estate offers red, white, and rosé wines of great freshness.Perfect for enhancing your summer meals ! Their lightness and refinement make these wines ideal accompaniments for seafood, salads, and grilled dishes, while also being perfect for a sunny aperitif.

For which occasions to open a Grand Wine ?

The choice of your wine bottle also depends on the occasion. Thus, a vintage champagne will, for example, be a perfect choice to celebrate a significant event. Whether it's a wedding, a birthday, or any other exceptional moment, a vintage champagne indeed adds a touch of prestige and elegance to your evening.

If you are looking for a wine for more intimate events, the Grands Crus of Bordeaux are another interesting option.To purchase them at an attractive price, do not hesitate to do so en primeur on our online cellar ? This method, allowing the sale while these wines are still aging, enables connoisseurs to invest in Grands crus at a better price before their official release on the market !

Finally, and in parallel with the occasion for which you choose your bottle, it may also be interesting to consider the classification of wines, which is sometimes a guarantee of quality and prestige. The Grands crus of Bordeaux thus refer to the 1855 classification while the Premiers Crus and Grands Crus of Burgundy primarily reveal the quality of their respective terroir.

Follow the advice of experts

To avoid mistakes, you can also take into account the advice of some experts and specialized critics. Or ask us for advice directly ! Contact us now to benefit from our recommendations and find the ideal wine according to your desires and budget.

On our online cellar dedicated to fine wines, you will find not only exceptional vintages but also advice and information to fully appreciate them (temperature, aging potential, descriptions, etc.). We highlight exceptional bottles from the most beautiful wine regions and appellations such as Pauillac, Pessac-Léognan, Pomerol, Saint-Émilion, Saint-Julien, Saint-Estèphe, Corton, Gevrey-Chambertin, Côte Rôtie, and Châteauneuf-du-Pape !

Buy Grand wines at good prices on our online cellar

If you are a lover of fine wines, you are certainly looking for the best opportunities to enrich your cellar. We therefore offer a wide range of bottles at attractive prices. This selection is available for direct purchase or en primeur.

Our selection includes the finest wines from Bordeaux, Grand Crus from Burgundy, exceptional wines from the Loire and the Rhône Valley, as well as prestigious cuvées from Champagne and Provence.

We also guarantee fast and secure delivery so that your bottles arrive in the best conditions. Whether it's home delivery, express, or delivery to UPS and Chronopost relay points, the choice is yours !

If you wish to build a collection of fine wines, our online cellar is the reference for finding exceptional wines. Whether it's for a special occasion, a gift, or simply for pleasure, we offer you a unique selection of the most beautiful wines from France and the world, just a click away ! Make your selection and discover the best wines from Bordeaux, Burgundy, Loire, Champagne, and Languedoc on our site and let yourself be guided to choose the bottles that will enhance your tasting moments.

As you will have understood, a Fine Wine is not just about any notion of Cru, region, or even price. What matters here is the terroir and the winemaker's talent! On this page, you will find a selection of emotional wines that will take you on a journey and provide you with beautiful moments of contemplation. As always, if you need advice, do not hesitate to contact directly La Cave Éclairée !