Description

From 30-60 year-old grapes grown on granitic sand, this is aged for about 7 months in a combination of small used barrels, larger used demi-muids and concrete tank.

The Bertrand estate was established in the 1950s by Louis Bertrand, located in a special part of Beaujolais called Grand-pré. This area straddles Fleurie and Morgon, and is rich in sandy granitic soil. The estate has a line of schist running through the property, and, in comparison to other vineyards of Fleurie, is 80% more sandy.

In the early 90’s the estate was split between Louis’s two sons. Yann, who last month celebrated his 30th birthday, took over from his parents Guy & Annick in 2013. The establishment of working the vines in organics began in 2005, with certification taking place in 2013. Three of the seven-and-a-half hectares are worked in accordance with biodynamic principles. Yann has implemented a 10-year plan, monitoring the vineyard’s health and soil life for these biodynamic parcels, with the intention to convert the remaining hectares in a few years time as well.

2018 was a good growing season in Beaujolais producing disease-free healthy fruit. It also produced good yields, the first time in three years for Bertrand. Yann saw similar maturity to 2015 and as such he began harvest earlier, wanting to maintain the freshness and acidity the grapes were expressing.

All fruit is manually harvested and sorted. In the cellar fermentation is 100% carbonic maceration with natural yeasts in large concrete vats. Depending on the cuvee, resting occurs in old barrels and demi-muds for 6-10 months. Bottling is done in Spring in accordance with the moon. All the wines are unfined and unfiltered.