Sustainability is what we are all about

Etienne Pochon crafts very elegant and surprisingly long-lived Crozes that should be typical of the appellation. Unfortunately, there are many growers with extensive plantings on the plains who do not possess such a burning desire for quality and therefore often produce very lacklustre, soupy wines. Etienne vinifies plot by plot from hillside sites, the best of which are separated for some ageing in oak barriques; these are the Château Curson wines.

In the past few vintages, quality in Indian wineries has shot up immensely to now produce truly world-class wines. I believe that India is well positioned to become one of the next great wine producers in the future.

A self-made man, Florentino Martinez Monje started off life as a grape grower before deciding to set up his own winery. Few know as much about the region as he does, nor how to get the best out of the local vineyards. With an intimate understanding of the 32 hectares he farms in Laguardia and Elciego, halfway between Haro and Logrono in Rioja Alavesa, the vineyards are cultivated and then vinified with specific categories in mind; a flower-to-bottle approach that gives these fine traditional Riojas an authenticity and clear sense of purpose. In the cellar, a mixture of French and American oak barrels is used, and racking is kept to a minimum, giving oak flavours that are present and sweet, but not over-bearing. In treading a nice balance between traditional and modern, the Luberri output is Rioja at its most recognisable and satisfying.