We’d like to introduce you to...
Winemaker Daniel Brunier

Daniel Brunier is one of the two brothers who run the legendary Chateauneuf du Pape estate of Domaine du Vieux Telegraphe, and also tutored a remarkable tasting at Lewis and Cooper in April 2008 (view wine event diary)

Daniel's great grandfather first planted vines on the "Crau" plateau in 1898 (although vines certainly had been grown here since the 14th century), though it was his son Jules who first named the estate and its wine 'Vieux Telegraphe', due to this location being used for one of Claude Chappe's signal towers in 1792 (M. Chappe was the inventor of the optical telegraph). So iconic is this great estate that when a certain 'Rhone Ranger' in California wanted to make a homage to Chateauneuf du Pape, he named the wine 'Old Telegram'!

The great red wine of Vieux Telegraph is around 65% Grenache, and has the density and complexity of a true grand vin. The story does not end there for the Bruniers though. They also are the active partners in the historic Gigondas estate of Domaine Les Pallieres, whose reds (once again Grenache-based, but around 80% of the final blend here) start out a little bruising, but with some time in bottle (and decanter too, ideally) they are quite the equal of all but the very best names in Chateauneuf itself. We recommend these wines very highly.

However, should you want for something a little easier on both palate and wallet, Le Pigeoulet comes from the Vaucluse Vin de Pays, where the Bruniers are redefining the quality standard for this area. 25 year old vines, hand harvested, and six months in foudres give a much softer red, ideal with country food (French or English!).

Finally, the Bruniers are also partners in the very unique Lebanese project of Massaya, since 1998. Along with Sami (who has also tutored a fine wine event at L&C) and Ramsi Ghosn, they are producing genuinely exciting wines from the Bekaa Valley as follows:-

Massya Classic Red
Cinsault, Cabernet and Syrah: soft succulent red.

Massya Classic White
Obeidi and Sauvignon: fresh, zesty white.

Massaya Selection Red
Cinsault, Grenache, Cabernet, Mourvedre: a punchier more concentrated red.

Massaya Selection White
Chardonnay, Sauvignon: with barrel fermentation, and greater structure.

Massaya Gold Reserve
Cabernet, Mourvedre, Syrah: majestic, rich red. Grand Vin.

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Dom du Vieux Telegraphe
Le Pigeoulet
Les Pallieres
Massaya Classic Red
Massaya Classic White
Massaya Selection Red
Massaya Selection White
Massaya Gold Reserve