It’s with no small excitement we welcome Joe Mazzitelli from Empire Distributors this Saturday to shine a spotlight on the captivating and expressive wines from Elian Da Ros and Sandrine Farrugia. The grandson of Italian immigrants who settled in the tiny village of Cocumont in 1922, Elian, along with his wife Sandrine have become legends in the South-West, with wines considered as reference points for excellence in the Bordeaux satellite region of Côtes du Marmandais. After six years working at Alsatian Domaine Zind-Himbrecht, in 1997 he took over his family estate, converting first to certified organic in 2000 and fully biodynamic by 2002.

In Cocumont the breadth of terroir is incredible, a diversity that call for an eclecticism in the choice of grape varieties. With the South-West indigenous Malbec, almost-extinct Abouriou, and Cabernet Franc he blends Bordeaux varieties, as well as Syrah, star of the northern Rhône. In a region known for powerful, high-alcohol wines, Elian chooses another path, finding balance, finesse and elegance through a savant’s mastery of each grape’s particularity. Sandrine made the leap to winemaking after years in sales, but you’d never know she was anything but a farmer and vigneron from the immense appeal of her red blend.

We look forward to seeing you Saturday!