February 18, 2025 - 0 comments
Marcel de Cocq shares his highlights from La Dive 2025
La Dive Bouteille, an unmissable event for natural wine professionals, is held every year in Saumur, in the Caves Ackerman. Since its creation in 1999, this wine fair has become a key reference for discovering new vintages and networking with winemakers from around the world.The 2025 edition, which took place on February 2nd and 3rd, was no exception: hundreds of producers were in attendance, showcasing their best bottles. Among them, Marcel de Cocq roamed the aisles of the fair to find his favorites of the year. His selection is personal and subjective, reflecting his own tastes and serving as a reminder that the appreciation of wine remains a unique experience for each individual.
Karl & Eva Schnabel - Weingut Karl Schnabel - Austria
In a white wine-dominated region, Schnabel's Styrian biodynamic reds are outstanding. The '21 Blaufränkisch vintage is in delightful, enticing shape—so succulent, fresh and full of life.
Branko & Vasja Čotar - Čotar - Slovenia
In the Slovenian Karst, Čotar is among the few very best natural wine growers of the region. With praiseworthy transparency regarding their omission of SO2, they vinify crystalline wines full of authentic grace. The profound Cabernet Sauvignon ‘09 is the current vintage, and it’s amazing that such vintages still emerge from their imposing multi-level cellar, carved deep into the Karstic rock.
Famiglia Radikon - Radikon - Italy
It was wonderful to taste Radikon’s new ‘20 vintage. I had already tasted the freshly bottled Ribolla ‘20 last December during Živijo, and it’s great to feel that Jakot and Oslavje ‘20 offered a similar, solid sensory confirmation of their equally excellent shape. I’m excited to follow their development in the coming decade.
Antoine & Caroline Arraou - Château Lafitte - France
For me, a biodynamic pinnacle in Jurançon. Pristine, highly energizing wines of sophisticated gastronomic class, with gorgeous, electrifying acidity and exemplary, informative back labels to dream of. Nothing added, fully AB, Demeter, and Vin Méthode Nature certified.
Maria & Sepp Muster - Weingut Muster - Austria
Thanks, Elias Muster, for the sip of Sgaminegg ‘21—the bracing top cuvée of old-vine Sauvignon Blanc and Morillon from the highest rocky Opok vineyards, developing an attractive, fine reductive edge.
Florien Klein Snuverink & Jean-Baptiste Menigoz - Les Bottes Rouges - France
ll ‘23 red cuvées were very appealing—lovely, light, lively, juicy, clean, stable, finely feral and full of potential. Always enlightening and a lot of fun to taste with Florien. I’m happy for her and Jean-Baptiste this vintage was shining on their barrel at La Dive.
What was your highlight from La Dive?
