CHÂTEAU HAUT MONDAIN BORDEAUX, FRANCE

Hailing originally from Schonberg in Germany, the Yung family fled their home in the early 19th century to escape the Napoleonic Wars. They settled in Algeria, and in 1859 the first Yung planted vines they would tend for the next hundred years, three generations honing their skill. In 1962, the family moved once again, this time to Bordeaux, where young Charles truly began his own journey in the vines. Now with 153 hectares of vineyards, the family has certainly amassed some significant know-how over their years in Bordeaux and North Africa. Their bottling from Château Haut-Mondain showcases quality that is practically silly at its price: truly classic claret from chalky clay hillsides in the Entre-Deux-Mers. Charles has now stepped into an advisory role, as his sons Jean Christophe and Rodolphe have taken over the management of the operation. They are particularly proud of their level three High Environmental Value (HEV) Certification, which requires that agricultural practices preserve ecosystems and limit pressures on the environment.