BENJAMIN TAILLANDIER, Minervois

In 2007, Benjamin Taillandier settled in his family's hometown of Caunes-Minnervois, which sits between the ancient city of Carcassone and the Montagne Noir. He purchased 5.7ha of Grenache Noir, Syrah, Cinsault, and Terret Gris and began working it organically, eventually converting all of it over to Biodynamics. Each year he has added a plot here and there and his estate has grown to 15 hectares, all of which is harvested by hand and now fully Ecocert certified. His vineyards are located at 200-400 meters in elevation and are surrounded by olive trees and cypress groves.  He also runs a terrific wine bar downtown called Cantine du Curé which is open during the summer tourist season.