X MARKS THE SPOT — often the spot where a treasure can be found. And one such treasure is X wines, chosen by Xavier Flouret of the wine importing company Cognac-One. Its wines, with a large “X” on their labels, are boutique wines Flouret selects from his travels around the world, wines made by small producers he feels provide excellent representations of their region, their grapes, their type.
I recently tasted several white X wines, among them the flavorful, refreshing Domaine Hamelin Marly Chablis 2015 ($24) from Burgundy; and from the Loire Valley, Domaine La Gemière French Blonde 2017 ($25), a lively, assertive, fruity Sancerre. Rosés include Château des Demoiselles Nationale 7, 2017 ($22) from Provence, a bright, fresh, floral wine that combines seven grape varieties and displays aromas of strawberries and citrus fruits.
The X red, Domaine de Catenoy 2014 ($24), a Pinot Noir from the Loire Valley, presents a deep, subtle aroma, silky body and clean taste. From Bordeaux, the spicy Château Haut Meneau Quai Lumière 2015 ($21) comprises equal parts Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.
Bodegas Santa Eulalia Poinciana 2014 ($24) — a 100 percent Tempranillo from Spain’s Ribera del Duero — displays excellent balance and a long aftertaste. From Spain’s Rioja, Bodegas Loli Casado Fé 2011 ($24) proves a delicious, welltempered 90 percent Tempranillo.
South African X wines include Joubert-Tradauw uQamata 2013 ($22.50), a smooth blend of Bordeaux grapes with hints of blackberries. Finca La Celia La Pilar 2016 ($17) from Argentina, a pleasant, 100 percent Malbec wine, offers easy drinking with a taste that lingers.
An X wine from the Maipo Valley of Chile, Viña Echeverria Oscar 2014 ($15) blends 50 percent Cabernet Sauvignon with Merlot and Cabernet Franc and features a deep red color; an aroma reminiscent of cherries; a smooth, round body; and beautifully integrated fruit flavors.
And there are still many more X wines.
The phrase “X factor” usually refers to a quality sometimes difficult to describe but one we sense to be special, noteworthy, intriguing — like Xavier Flouret’s X wines.
Read This Next
Bold and Beautiful
January 2019
Jan 9, 2020
Introducing
FX Excursions
FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.
#globility
Insta FeedDestinations / North America
May 27, 2025Plan a Legendary Gathering in Honolulu
Myths and origin stories form a powerful framework for the history of Hawai‘i. Marking the horizon behind Honolulu, the ancient volcanic formation of Lē‘ahi — technically a volcanic tuff cone more commonly known to the world as Diamond Head — provides a constant physical reminder of the tales that shaped the history of this location. While researching legends for my Hawai‘i-based Dark Paradise Mysteries series (Kensington Books), I learned the tale of the demigod Maui, who used his enchanted fishing hook to reach into the sea to heave the Hawaiian islands, including Diamond Head, above the surface of the water.
Sponsored Content
Explore Europe with the Best River Cruise Line this November
Experience Europe from a fresh perspective with AmaWaterways, just awarded Best River Cruise Line by Global Traveler for the third consecutive year. Step aboard, unpack once and embark on a cruise through iconic capital cities and awe-inspiring landscapes. AmaWaterways' ships, which accommodate an average of just 156 guests, offer a spacious yet intimate setting. Throughout your journey, you'll enjoy exquisite farm-to-table dining; unparalleled service; and a variety of included excursions, from city tours for gentle walkers to thrilling bike rides along the rivers.
Daily
May 27, 2025Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia Introduces Sky Garden Floor
Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia at Comcast Center recently announced plans for a new Sky Garden floor, set to open in December. With help from architecture firm 1508 London, the new floor will offer a unique experience complementing the hotel’s prestigious reputation.
Daily
May 27, 2025Go Glamping at This Colorado Ranch This Summer
The snow has melted, the sun is out and fans of the great outdoors gear up for summer camping. Historic Arapahoe Valley Ranch in Granby, Colorado, is a great destination choice. The ranch has a fascinating history involving aviator Charles Lindbergh, who became a close personal friend of former ranch owner and pilot Harry Knight. During his tenure as president of the St. Louis Flying Club, Knight formed a personal friendship with Lindbergh, and went on to build a private airfield at his ranch, used by Lindbergh for his weekend visits to Colorado.
Sponsored Content
Find Your Perfect Escape with Paradisus by Meliá — More Than Just All-Inclusive
Luxury travel today is about more than just beautiful accommodations — it’s about experiencing the destination. Paradisus by Meliá takes traditional all-inclusive resorts to the next level by offering indulgence with immersion, experiences and authenticity. Each resort is shaped by its location, local flavors and curated Destination Inclusive® experiences that bring you closer to the heart of the destination.
Slideshow
May 27, 20256 Reasons to Put Wellington, New Zealand, on Your Travel List
It’s time to start dreaming of your next trip. Here’s some destination inspiration for you. Take a visual journey through Wellington, New Zealand, with us.
Explora Journeys Announces Summer 2027 Offerings
Daily
May 26, 2025Delta Air Lines Adds Flight to Kona, Hawai‘i
Airlines
May 25, 2025Daily
May 23, 2025Up Your RV Game with All-Electric Luxury RV, New Gear
If you’re chomping at the bit to head into the wilderness and set up camp, we’re with you. For a dose of luxury, enjoy an off-grid adventure for up to seven days with the new Pebble Flow. With a sleek, aerodynamic futuristic profile, the Pebble Flow also boasts a dual-motor Active Tow Assist System to allow for pulling with an electric vehicle. Features include lightweight composite and sustainable materials; panoramic windows with a 270-degree view; convertible furnishings; and a modern, minimalist design aesthetic. The chef-inspired kitchen, silent HVAC system and spa bathroom provide travel comfort, and nature-inspired colors including Sky, Fern, Poppy and Sand add to the overall sense of serenity. Bonus: The Pebble Flow can sight, align and hitch all on its own, while The Pebble App and dual-motor drivetrain let you maneuver, reverse, park and position with ease.
Sponsored Content
Sail Unique with Explora Journeys
SAIL UNIQUE: A New Chapter in Luxury Ocean Travel Imagine a place where modern European elegance meets the rhythm of the sea — where time slows down, and every detail is crafted to inspire connection and quiet indulgence. This is Explora Journeys, the luxury lifestyle ocean brand from MSC Group created to redefine how we explore the world.
May 2025
May 23, 2025Relax, Rejuvenate and Heal at StolenTime
At the namesake luxury, 5-star all-inclusive resort in Saint Lucia, the concept of “stolen time” used to be reserved for couples escaping to canoodle, reconnect and perhaps rekindle in sumptuous accommodations during a romantic getaway on the lush Caribbean island. But when StolenTime by Rendezvous rebranded in late 2022 to welcome all adult guests and focus more on wellness, the philosophy expanded to encompass self-reflection, personal growth and enrichment. After all, time is our most precious commodity, one that’s finite and too quickly slips through our grasp; we need to find those moments that matter and make them count.
ShareThis