A.H.D. Vintners is proud to announce four wineries in the Wine & Spirits Top 100 Wineries of 2019.

From the United States, one of the original Rhone Rangers, Bill Easton and his wines from Terre Rouge.

Terre Rouge means “Red Earth”. This vermillion-colored soil is one of the hallmarks of the region. The vineyards are in soils that are largely granite and volcanic-based. The Terre Rouge portfolio is composed of wines made from Rhône varietals grown in the rugged and varying terroirs of this region: Syrah, Grenache, Mourvèdre, Viognier, Roussanne, Marsanne. High elevation sites up to 3200’ contribute to the complexity of the wines.

Winemaker, Bill Easton puts his family name, EASTON, on the  non Rhône varietals wines. The wines are crafted from varietals that have traditionally worked the best in Amador County and the Sierra Foothills: ancient and old-vine Zinfandel, Barbera, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Sauvignon Blanc.

The style of the reds emphasizes deep color, balanced flavors, full middle palate, and a long finish, with power and finesse. They gain complexity with age. The whites are aromatic, flavorful with nice texture, and balanced with good acidity. They also show an amazing mineral sense that is derived from our stony mountain soils. They make over thirty different wines, many of which are very small production (100-400 cases). Each is unique and site-specific with a sense of place all of their own.

From Burgundy, France and part of our Vineyard Brands Burgundy collection we celebrate Domaine Matrot and Vincent Girardin.

Domaine Matrot is run by fifth generation Thierry Matrot, after having obtained a degree in winegrowing and oenology in Beaune and continued with business studies in Mâcon Davayé. He joined the estate in 1976 and took over the vinification from 1983 on. Together with his father, he continued to strengthen the reputation of Domaine Matrot and its wines.

The Matrot philosophy is that a wine must be the reflection of its terroir and its vintage. The first step in preserving all of the different characteristics of the Matrot wines is to carry out careful and attentive work in the vineyards.  It is only thanks to the rigorous work carried out in the vineyards and in the cellars that his wines preserve their unique character.

Vincent Girardin was born in Santenay, in the Côte de Beaune and is part of a winemaking family whose origins date to the 17th century (11th generation).  Vincent began in 1982 with only 2 hectares (5 acres) of vines. When his father retired, Vincent took over several additional hectares to which he could devote himself.
Vincent Girardin is a man of conviction. He knows what he wants. He has grasped his profession firmly with both hands.

Vincent’s roots are deep in the most prestigious terroirs of Burgundy. He knows every vine, every parcel of land. He also ensures that the very highest quality is maintained by following each wine’s development every step of the way, at all times respecting the most important element of Burgundy – the individuality of its terroirs.  He has been fully Biodynamic since 2009.

Vega Sicilia from Ribera del Duero, Spain was also honored.

In 1864, Eloy Lecanda founded the winery that symbolizes the golden legend of Spanish red wine. Throughout its long history, it has belonged to different owners, although it has always maintained an unquestionable personality, making concentrated, mature, generous and extremely elegant.

Spain’s most famous and important wine estate is located at Valbuena del Duero, 30 km east of the ancient university town of Valladolid. The northern boundary of the estate is marked by the main road that runs along the left bank of the Duero (Douro) river – these rich soils are planted with vegetables rather than vines. The top of the hills are left to sheep, but in between are the vineyards, on north-facing slopes at altitudes of 750-800m above sea level.

Few wines have a history as distinguished as that of Vega Sicilia. Founded in the 1860’s, its top cuvée, Unico, was Spain’s first great Spanish wine collected and coveted throughout the world.

Unico is still made as it was a half century or more ago: a selection of only the best vintages released after a decade or more of age. Made from at least 80% Tempranillo and small amounts of Bordeaux varietals, it is a wine of epic proportions, known for great restraint in its youth but an almost unlimited cellaring potential.