Domaine Bertrand

Talent and humility at the service of Beaujolais

It is on half of the Beaujolais that we find the 15 hectares of vines of the Bertrand estate. These hectares are spread over 7 Beaujolais appellations, which therefore offers red and white wines a great diversity of soils. Julien Bertrand, 3rd generation, now holds the reins of the estate, which stretches from Charentay to Julienas, passing through Fleurie, Brouilly, Moulin à Vent... Meticulous, pragmatic and thoughtful, Julien produces straight, precise wines, sometimes totally sulfur-free where the terroir expresses itself wonderfully.

The story of Bertrand estate

Installed on the hill of Brouilly, in Charentay, the Bertrand estate, family estate, exists since 1956. Since this year, the Bertrand family buys plots and can be proud today to extend on 15 hectares in total. This estate is transmitted from generation to generation and it was Julien Bertrand who took the torch in 2014, the third generation.
It is therefore over 15 hectares of vines, from Julienas to Charentay that the vines of Julien Bertrand extend. The vineyard covers seven different appellations: Beaujolais-Villages, Beaujolais Blanc, Regnie, Brouilly, Fleurie, Julienas and Moulin à vent. Each of these appellations has 0.5 to 3 hectares of vines.
Thanks to these varieties of terroirs and appellations, you will travel through a large part of Beaujolais. Rigorous work, a family of enthusiasts, all this is felt through their wines.
To bring these soils to life, Julien Bertrand honors two great grape varieties: Gamay (number 1 grape variety in Beaujolais), and Chardonnay. Two grape varieties pampered for generations at the Bertrand estate.
To continue in this spirit of development but always with the greatest respect for the environment, and by virtue of its values, Julien Bertrand wishes to turn to a very naturalistic approach. He therefore carried out a study of the soils and vinification, and began a restructuring of part of his vines in 2017. These changes followed a conversion to Organic Farming.
Since 2020, Bertrand estate has been certified organic farming, which confirms their investments made for the environment and respect for their vines.

Beaujolais wine regions

It is therefore on 7 Beaujolais appellations that the Bertrand estate cultivates its vines in an eco-responsible approach. Healthy soils for pure wines! Julien Bertrand moved towards the grassing of the soils in order to improve their structures and protect them from climate change.
The harvest is done manually in order to preserve the quality of the bunches of grapes. It is a rigorous work that requires patience and precision. The essential steps take place before vinification, working the land, protecting it, taking care of the harvest... these are essential stages to be respected for a high quality wine. Julien Bertrand is also committed to 100% natural products, no inputs, no pesticides, no synthetic products.
It is a great opportunity to have plots in different appellations because the soils are composed of different minerals and bring specificities to the wines. There are sandy granitic, limestone and clay-limestone soils, which benefit from a temperate climate with oceanic but also Mediterranean influences.

The wines of Bertrand estate

The wines are vinified and aged in concrete vats, stainless steel vats or oak barrels depending on the type and appellation of the wine. Each appellation has its own vinification stages for a great diversity in tasting. Aging lasts between 6 to 24 months depending on the desired aromas and balances.
Soif! 2019 and Soif! 2020 is a 100% Gamay bottle, from the association between Holy Chips and Julien Bertrand. A thirst-quenching juice, a wine for friends and sharing from Gamay (the best of the grape varieties obviously) born in Beaujolais on the Brouilly appellation. You only have one thing to think about: bite into the fruit of this pure Gamay juice!
Beaujolais Blanc 2020 is a 100% Chardonnay white wine, fresh, light and fruity. On clay-limestone soils, this great variety offers subtle aromas of fresh fruit and white flowers.
Beaujolais Blanc 2021 is a fine example of the potential of Beaujolais to produce fruity, gourmet and serious Chardonnay. In line with this grape variety, it combines substance and freshness, a successful balance between roundness and finesse in which there is also a zest of complexity.
Beaujolais Nouveau 2022 is a Gamay primeur with a southern profile at the end of a warm vintage. Notes of gooseberry and blackcurrant that do not prevent the wine's indulgence. A doubt about the quality of Beaujolais Nouveau? Do not hesitate to reconcile with this lovely wine from Julien Bertrand! Also available in magnum.
Julienas - Les Fouillouses 2020 is a red wine with a solar profile on a cru which has the reputation of extracting more concentrated and warm Gamay. A very nice Julienas, gourmet and deep. Great years ahead of him!
Fleurie - Nova 2020 is a beautiful Fleurie, all in elegance from a warm vintage. It has the complexity and freshness of granitic soils. It combines delicacy and complexity.
Infini – Moulin a Vent 2019 is a "Burgundy-style" Moulin à Vent, with aging in oak barrels for 24 months, a little more advanced but once again, the Gamay is very well mastered by Julien Bertrand.
Brouilly "Pisse Vieille" 2018 is a Gamay with a beautiful expression of Brouilly, more substance but still with a lot of greed. It is on the first plots purchased by the estate in 1956 that this Brouilly offers us a generous and intense wine.