Les Bertrand

Yann Bertrand, Anick and Guy

We already know that wine is often a family business which is passed down from generation to generation. But the story of the Bertrand family is particularly pretty, and their red wines from the Beaujolais, Beaujolais-villages, Fleurie, Morgon, Saint-Amour and Juliénas appellations are simply delicious.

Family work in the vineyard

More than a family story, it's a story of passion and conviction at Les Bertrand (not to be confused with Domaine Bertrand). It all started in the 1950s, in the town of Charentay, in Beaujolais, when Louis Bertrand settled there. A true merchant at heart, Louis Bertrand imposes his reputation in Beaujolais. Very quickly, with his wife Renée and their son Guy, Louis Bertrand wanted to make more use of this exceptional soil. A few years later, they took over the Château de Grand Pré estate, located in Fleurie. A new breath is given to the Castle.
Then in 1992, it was the turn of Annick, Guy Bertrand's wife to join the adventure. That same year, they decided to acquire a few plots adjoining the Château.
A desire for growth that comes with an awareness for Guy and Annick Bertrand. They choose to be part of a sustainable approach, and act with respect for the environment ; no more pesticides or weedkillers are used in the vineyard, just like in winemaking, Guy and Annick Bertrand let their wines be made for an expression as close as possible to the nature.
It was only in 2012 that the estate was granted “ Organic Agriculture and Wine ” certification. A great year for the Bertrand family; Yann, son of Annick and Guy Bertrand, joined the adventure in 2012. Yann quickly established himself as the novelty, and that's what his parents wanted. Do different, do better? For Yann Bertrand, it is not the work of one person, but one of a team. He therefore decided to change the name of the estate, and “Les Bertrand” was born.

The revival of natural wine by Yann Bertrand

A real wave of freshness, and a purist at heart, Yann pushes the field further into sustainable cultivation. Biodynamics is born on 1.5 hectares of 9 hectares of the estate. In the vineyard as in the cellar, Yann Bertrand imposes himself as an artist, and it will be noticed very quickly. The Bertrands attach great importance to the life of the soil to extract healthy grapes, from the terroir and from the vintage. A lively wine that can be felt in their Gamay with its strong personality.
The Bertrands then introduced “goblet” pruning of the vines. This consists of carrying out a soft size, while respecting the flow of sap. Everything is done according to the needs of the soil, and in a natural way (the “500”). They also alternate the plowing of the soil and controlled natural grassing. A completely biodynamic approach that revitalizes all the vegetation and thus creates real natural protection for the vines.

Vinification according to Les Bertrand estate

In winemaking, the Bertrands want to be, as in the vineyard, as attentive as possible. Yann Bertrand respects what his land offers him. Also in a “ soft ” way, the harvest is carried out manually, a demanding sorting is carried out. No input is added during vinification, Yann Bertrand lets his wine express itself, while studying it rigorously. The aging of the wine at Les Bertrand is a reflection of their entire philosophy , all in delicacy. The important thing is to obtain " vibrant " wines according to Yann Bertrand, where the juices are balanced, fresh, with good length.
The Epi-curieux.com team has selected for you the most natural expression of Gamay, the expression closest to an exceptional soil in Beaujolais! It's up to you to discover your favorite bottle.

The Fleurie, Juliénas, Saint-Amour and Beaujolais wines

Is it necessary to introduce this bottle to you again? We introduce to you the Coup d'Folie vintage from the Fleurie appellation. This 100% black Gamay with white juice from Yann Bertrand comes from vines between 5 and 50 years old, and from granitic arena soil, sand and fine clay dust. Carbonic maceration is carried out cold for 10 to 17 days (without sulfur or yeast). Aging takes place 1/3 in old barrels, and 2/3 in vats for 6 to 7 months. It is the pure expression of Gamay! Fan not abstain.
Still on the Fleurie appellation, there is the Coup de foudre bottle, from vines over 60 years old, and from a granite arena soil (sand), poor and acidic allowing to make concentrated wines according to Yann Bertrand. Les Bertrands carry out cold carbonic maceration without pumping over or pumping (no sulfur or yeast addition). For this Coup de Foudre, 80% of the bottle is in old barrels, and 20% in demi-muid for 7 to 8 months. It will then remain 10 months in bottle. A wine that deserves to be kept for a few years in your cellar to become even deeper.
Last bottle on the Fleurie appellation, the Cuvée Suprême Chaos. THE bottle of the estate, where Yann Bertrand lets the magnificent soil of Fleurie express itself.
The carbonic maceration is done cold for 20-22 days, there are 7 to 9 months of aging in tuns and old barrels, with aging in the bottle for 10 months. Do not miss it!
Les Bertrands did not escape the bad weather of 2016 and 2017, and had to face it. Yann Bertrand therefore launches into trading bottles and it is always with excellence that he produces them. He selects quality grapes in Beaujolais (organic), and from harvest to vinification, it is the know-how of Les Bertrands that is put in place. Thanks to this work, Yann Bertrand was able to establish himself with these bottles of " friends ".
With an exceptional selection of grapes, the Les Bambins bottles in Saint-Amour comes from the heights of Saint-Amour, only on blue stones. The carbonic maceration is always done cold (17 days). Les Bertrands age this bottle for 8 months in barrels. Pleasure, sapid and greedy wine! A bottle as we like them!
A second bottle of friend, the 100% Juliénas bottle, which comes from a soil made up of white earth. Always with as much rigor in the vineyard and in winemaking, Yann Bertrand carries out, like all his bottles, a cold carbonic maceration, and an aging of 8 months in old barrels. A 100% pleasure Juliénas!
Yann Bertrand will always surprise! “ Oh La La ”, a unique Gamay rosé bottle. To save the work of his team, Yann Bertrand decides to make this rosé following the disease of the grapes intended for the cuvée Oh ! They keep the best ones, exploit them, and here comes Oh La La! a very gourmet rosé.