Génépy is a legendary alpine herbal liqueur, unique to the Savoy region, that dates back many hundreds of years. While comprised of a multitude of alpine herbs, the most prominent is a petite and rare variety of artemisia found principally in the high mountain air and adventure. Dolin is one of the few remaining houses that still relies on local herbs foraged in summer, and distillation in a venerable old copper alembic. Today, Génépy remains a darling of both intrepid hikers and French skiers. Served on the rocks or with tonic water, and a welcome addition to hot chocolate. Le Chamois is Dolin’s oldest Génépy recipe, dating back to 1821, when Joseph Chavasse first established what is today Maison Dolin. Its gentle sweetness and heady herbal character have pronounced notes of chamomile, sage and mint. To many French consumers, the Dolin name is inextricably linked to this signature Génépy recipe and the alpine experience.

A special herb liqueur that was crafted in honour of Israels 70th anniversary that symbolises the Israeli essence and roots. Seven known people from diverse cultural and professional fields, individuals who are revolutionary, creative, daring entrepreneurs, were asked to choose a unique herb, root or spice that represents the essence of Israel to them: almonds, savory, coriander, jasmine, tarragon, thymes and cardamom. Together, their choices created a complete, unique blend specially prepared at our distillery Roots Liqueur, based on our New Make product.

Outside of the core range, there’s always something interesting to taste when you visit Chandon de Briailles—be it François de Nicolay’s négoce sans soufre wines, or something like Christian Knott’s skin-fermented La Vie est Belle. Even so, we were a little surprised to be presented with this Burgundian ‘Port’. This is drawn from late picked fruit in the very warm 2013’s harvest—mainly Savigny Lavières—where the fruit was picked extremely late (the end of October), crushed by foot, fermented and then fortified on skins (to 18.5%) using the Domaine’s own Fine de Bourgogne. The wine was then aged for five years in both topped and un-topped barrels before blending and bottling, with no SO2, in 2018. Pousse au Crime means to incite a crime, and this might certainly do that (by encouraging others to have a go at this wine style) as it’s absolutely delicious. The nose is packed with ripe plum, prune, coffee grinds and subtle, varnished oak leading to a silky, luscious, creamy, layered palate with similar notes—but mostly delicious characters of crushed raisins, milk chocolate and a long, warm and spicy close. Like a really, really fine Banyuls. Best served at cellar temperature with coffee and chocolate, but could also work with cheese and richer desserts (or, for the adventurous, a cleverly matched savoury course with the right sauce).