Autumn sees three New World producers join the Boutinot portfolio. Lake County California, Victoria’s Pyrenees district and Argentina’s Uco Valley may not seem likely bedfellows but despite an average of 7000 miles between these diverse locations, this trio of new producers share the same dedication to growing the best fruit possible and making wines that speak of place, coupled with a commitment to sustainable wine making and organic farming practises.  

Meet Clay Shannon

“Grow the best fruit possible, while preserving the land for future generations.”  Clay Shannon

Clay Shannon is the founder and owner of the estate and winery, along with his wife Angie Shannon and gives his name to this new range of wines, a trio of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon. He began his career as a vineyard manager, farming the wine regions of California. In 1996 he set out on his own to establish a progressive, pioneering winery and ranch in Lake County, California. Today Clay Shannon is one of the largest producers of Organic grapes in the US, and Lake County in Northern California is a place to go for value in this often-pricy category. Not as well-known as Sonoma, Russian River or the central coast AVAs like Santa Barbara, this AVA is growing in both size and reputation.

In the Shannon vineyards, regenerative farming is the core of how they work, rearing sheep in parallel to grape growing. The vineyard includes over 2,000 acres of mountain property, roughly half of which is under vine, the rest reserved for unplanted wildlife corridors open to migrating animals and protecting sensitive nesting areas.

Complex and food friendly, these are accessible wines which were a big hit at our recent portfolio tastings. Packed full of the joy of California with good fruit expression and richness, but also a freshness and brightness that resonate with our European sensibilities. We hope the man himself, Clay, can join us in spring 2025 for tastings. Watch this space!

Meet Pyren Vineyards

“The intention is to meld the expression of high-quality fruit with integrity and artistic freedom, and the endeavour to fine tune the best style for the fruit is a continuous one.” Leighton Joy

A contemporary producer of artisanal wines in Victoria’s hilly Pyrenees district, Pyren Vineyard’s addition to Boutinot’s Australian portfolio is an exciting offering with a fresh, contemporary perspective on viticulture and winemaking. With 25 years of vine maturity, Pyren is creating fruit of exceptional quality, while embracing innovation and creativity in both the vineyard and the winery. The use of composting and mulching, combined with a strict avoidance of synthetic fertilisers and herbicides, speaks to a deep commitment to environmental stewardship.

Winemaker and owner Leighton Joy’s focus on spontaneous wild yeast fermentation and minimal intervention in the cellar highlights a winemaking philosophy that allows the fruit to speak for itself. The wines, ranging from the playful, natural Little RaRa wines to the more refined Earthscape range (which includes a Sparking Shiraz) and the Reserve Syrah, all reflect this ethos.  One that speaks to a sense of place and a deep respect for the land while still leaving room for creativity and expression.

Meet Bodega Urqo

“With our feet on the ground, our heart in the vineyards and our soul in the Uco Valley”  

Nestled in the desert soils near Tupungato, the Urquia family’s 300-hectare estate benefits from an awe-inspiring setting, where the dramatic backdrop of the Argentine Andes looms large. The estate spans three vineyard sites across the Chacayes and Tupungato districts, where the raw desert environment, characterized by high UV, extreme temperatures, and sandy soils, shapes fruit with distinctive character and intensity. The minimalist bodega, a sleek white structure, functions as the simplest and most direct vessel through which to express the pure essence of this fruit.

The winery’s name, Urqo, an elegant fusion of the Urquia family surname and the Uco Valley, hints at the personal connection with this place. The wines are guided by a deep respect for the Earth’s natural energies, a principle rooted in owner Loli Urquia’s vision. The small but dynamic team includes young, talented Uruguayan winemaker Leo Pisano, working alongside the advisory wisdom of local legend Daniel Pi, whose combined expertise fosters wines that capture the aromatic purity of the Andean air and the mineral vitality of the land. The vineyards are planted to Malbec, Cabernet Franc, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc, with half already holding organic certification. Over time, Urqo aims to transition fully to organic practices.

All wines now in stock, order online or speak to your account manager for more details.