Author: Kim

The mythologized wines of Burgundy are the result of traditions including strict vineyard classifications, minimal-intervention winemaking, and demonstrations of undeniable terroir. But Thibault Liger-Belair’s Bourgogne “Les Deux Terres” brings a fresh perspective by breaking those fundamental boundaries while still presenting a wine with an exceptional sense of place.

Most Village-tier Bourgogne Rouge comes from a single sub-appellation within the Côte d’Or—Côte de Nuits or Côte de Beaune—but Les Deux Terres is a rarity. The winery’s control of two vineyards in different appellations offers the opportunity to blend Pinot Noir from Côte de Nuits and Gamay from Beaujolais to create this delightful wine. Marrying the power and structure of Pinot Noir with the juicy, spice-laden charm of Gamay creates a special, yet approachable, experience in the glass.

The Pinot comes from vineyards near Nuits-Saint-Georges, adding powerful depth and earthiness, while the Gamay hails from old vines in Moulin-à-Vent, Beaujolais’ most structured cru. The result? A wine that tastes like Burgundy but with a wild, energetic twist.

So how is it?

Expect a deep ruby hue and an aroma packed with ripe cherries, crushed raspberries, violets, and a hint of black pepper from the Gamay influence. The palate is lively yet refined, with silky tannins and just enough minerality to remind you that this is still a Thibault Liger-Belair wine—crafted with precision, not just personality.

There are so few expressions of Burgundy that are even allowed to play around with crossing these boundaries. The resulting wine is serious enough for Pinot lovers, yet fun enough for those who crave a bit of Gamay’s playful charm. A little unconventional? Yes. Absolutely delicious? 100%.

Pair it with charcuterie, roast duck, or even a rich curry, and be sure to serve with a slight chill. My apologies in advance that so little of this wine is brought to the US!

another dreary forecast has us dreaming of this perennial favorite from the Côtes de Provençe.

When you think of Provençal rosé, you probably picture pale pink, crisp, easy-drinking bottles perfect for summer afternoons. But Clos Cibonne’s ‘Cuvée Tradition’ Rosé is genre-defining—a legendary, age-worthy, rule-breaking masterpiece made from a nearly abandoned grape called Tibouren.

Clos Cibonne: The Rebel Winery of Provence

Of course, Clos Cibonne is a stunning vineyard overlooking the French port of Toulon. The lush estate was founded by Jean-Baptiste de Cibon, captain of Louis XVI’s Royal Navy. In the 1930s, the Roux family took over and made a bold move: They chose to focus on Tibouren, actually ripping out mature Mourvèdre vines to plant and eventually goblet train this indigenous Provençal grape.

That bet paid off—so much so that Clos Cibonne got special permission from French regulators to spotlight Tibouren on their labels. This bottling now represents one of just 18 cru classé Côtes de Provençe wines. Today, Brigitte and Claude Deforge run the estate, keeping the Tibouren dream alive.

The Magic of ‘Cuvée Tradition’ Rosé

The initial bottling is a crisp, minerally rosé with a lush mouthfeel. It delivers herbal, citrusy, and oh-so-salty flavors that scream Mediterranean cool. On the palate, you’ll find the classic wild strawberries tinged with blood orange, thyme, and a sea-salty breeze.

After crush, Clos Cibonne ages under a veil of yeast in giant old oak barrels, giving it an earthy, nutty complexity you don’t see in other pink wines. It’s bold, it’s textured, and it actually gets better with age. This wine can continue cellar aging for up to a decade.

Pair it with classics like Niçoise salad, charcuterie and cheese, or a whiff of sunblock and a striped cabana for instant French Riviera vibes.