Jean-Pierre and Laurent Dubois are the father and son team behind this innovative estate on Bordeaux’s right bank, which is currently eight generations young. The estate has around 100 hectares under vine, on soils of gravel, sand and pebbles with a clay-gravel subsoil. Chateau les Bertrand’s different plots occupy plateaus and slopes, ideal locations for exposure to midday to setting sun. The estate vinify grapes in thermoregulated vats and benefit from aging parameters which help to enhance the wines character. The diversity of terroirs and exposures provide the wines with a beautiful palette of nuances and expressions.

These conditions are ideal to cast Merlot in a leading role, with Cabernets Sauvignon and Franc as minor, though key, supporting players. The whites are blends of Sauvignon Blanc and Muscadelle, creating structure and aromatics. Vinification takes place entirely in stainless steel with the more serious reds aging in small oak barrels. Temperature-controlled fermentation, with skin maceration, followed by lees ageing lends richness to the whites.

The family owned estate work to keep the vines as natural as possible, and have been practicing sustainable viticulture since 1996. This involves vineyards being daily monitored, to reduce and restrict treatment to vines as much as possible. From pruning and grassing the rows, vines are given as much care as possible in order for grapes to be harvested at their optimum maturity.