With deep ties to the north of the Drôme since the 17th century, the Combat family has been an integral part of Mercurol for generations, shaping its history and landscape through their devotion to working the land. Today, their legacy lives on through Domaine des Combat, situated in the esteemed Crozes-Hermitage appellation. These wines artfully combine tradition and modernism, harnessing the immense potential of Syrah, Marsanne, and Roussanne grape varieties, as well as the diverse terroir of the Rhône Valley. Guided by a dynamic team, Domaine des Combat embraces both time-honored techniques and innovative approaches, crafting wines that beautifully express the family’s heritage and the region’s dynamic spirit. Experience the captivating flavors that emerge from this harmonious blend of tradition and innovation, as Domaine des Combat invites you on a sensory journey through the Rhône Valley’s rich terroir.
Illinois
Cooper’s Daughter
Woman-owned and family-operated, Cooper’s Daughter sources foraged and farmed Hudson Valley ingredients to make seasonal, small-batch spirits. On the farm, the apple orchards and walnut groves produce vodka, whiskey, and bourbon that are infused with local botanicals. Barrels are handmade on-site to age bourbon and whiskey. The property is part of the historic Jacob Rutsen van Rensselaer House and Mill complex with a distillery and cooperage circa 1805.
Château Monbousquet
Château Monbousquet is a property in Saint-Émilion particularly known for its lush, ripe, modern-styled wines. Long regarded as an underachiever, quality has increased greatly in the past quarter century and the wines are now some of the best in the region. Since 2006, Monbousquet has been ranked as a Grand Cru Classé.
The estate comprises 32 hectares (79 acres) with all but a small parcel planted to red varieties. Proportionally, the vineyard is made up of 60 percent Merlot, 30 percent Cabernet Franc and 10 percent Cabernet Sauvignon.
As with Cheval Blanc and Figeac, the soils are largely gravelly, which suits the high proportion of Cabernets. The vineyard was completely re-drained in 1993 when Gérard Perse purchased the property.
Cerbaia
Cerbaia is a family-owned company that produces wines from some of Montalcino’s finest vineyards, with their Brunello being a true representation of a unique and distinct area. The company was started in 1978 by agronomist Fabio Pellegrini, who saw the potential of his land to produce wines of exceptional finesse and complexity. The Cerbaia company has 12 hectares of land, with 4.5 hectares of Brunello grapes located on the hill of Montosoli, one of the most favorable terroirs for Sangiovese in Montalcino. Elena, Fabio’s daughter, left her career in finance in 2014 to join the family business and carry on her father’s philosophy of making wine with minimal intervention and sustainable practices in their vineyards and products. Today, Cerbaia produces 18,000 bottles of Brunello per year, with their wines being a unique combination of a highly suited land, a traditional winemaking philosophy, and the energy of a young winemaker. The wines that emerge from Cerbaia’s vineyards truly represent the authentic terroir of Montalcino.
Château Gassier
The Gassier family, originating from Barcelonnette (Provence) and with links to Provencal nobility dating back to 1421, purchased the Château Gassier and its vineyards in 1982. In 2004, the Gassier and Jeanjean families joined forces in order to cultivate these vineyards together whilst working towards the same shared objectives. Georges Gassier, the family’s fifth generation of winemakers, now runs the Domaine in close collaboration with Maison Gassier. Olivier Souvelain joined Château Gassier in 2010 and was entrusted with the task of restructuring the vineyards and buildings as well as improving the overall image of the Gassier brand. In line with his commitment to preserving the Domaine and its environment, the vineyards underwent Organic conversion in 2016.
Maison Champy
Established in 1720 by Edmé Champy, operating as the oldest house in Burgundy, for three centuries the Maison has been instrumental in building the international reputation of Burgundy and French Savoir Faire. Indeed, Champy’s story is interwoven with some of the most important French historical figures of the 19th and 20th centuries, including Louis Pasteur and Gustave Eiffel.
Maison Champy owns 21 ha of vineyards, which are farmed organically and certified HVE (Haute Valeur Environnementale/High Environmental Value) spread across the Côte d’Or. The winery and its 15th century cellars are in Beaune. Domaine Champy’s core plots are found on the hill of Corton, Beaune, Savigny-les-Beaune, and Pernand-Vergelesses. Additionally, with three centuries of history and experience behind it, Maison Champy has established incredible relationships with key growers across the Côte. This is especially the case for Côte de Nuits, where long-term fermage and métayage partnerships have enabled Maison Champy to work with plots in Gevrey-Chambertin, Charmes-Chambertin Grand Cru and Vosne-Romanée. Across the range, an average of two barrels per plot are made.
Since 1999, winemaker Dimitri Bazas has been at the helm, overseeing production and viticulture. Dimitri, whose résumé includes working for such iconic names such as Christophe Roumier, Marquis d’Angerville, Bonneau du Martray and others, has identified key vineyard expansion into top sites of the Côte d’Or and is largely responsible for the Maison’s conversion to organic farming over the last two decades.
The winemaking follows traditional Burgundian practices, utilizing indigenous yeast across the range, whole cluster pressing for the whites, and barrel fermentation. For the reds, stem inclusion is selected plot-by-plot, cold macerations for approximately 3 days. Fermentations last up to 3 weeks. The wines see a combination of pigeage and remontage. Aging in Burgundy barrique for both red and white extends between 10-16 months and can include up to 30% new wood.