Yann Bertrand - 2023 Fleurie Cuvee du CHAOS
Yann Bertrand’s philosophy is simple; attain the most beautiful balance possible for the soil, as a soil with good equilibrium will produce a grape that represents the terroir where it is grown.
Les Bertrand is located in a special part of Beaujolais called ‘Grand-pré’. A section that straddles the crus of both Fleurie and Morgon, rich in sandy granitic soil. The estate wines from these appellations are uniquely different even though all the vines are in the same area. The complexity found in the vineyard is demonstrated through these different cuvees.
The fruit is manually harvested and sorted. In the cellar vinification is cold carbonic and semi carbonic maceration (approximately 30% juice) at 10-12 degrees with natural yeasts in large concrete vats. Bottling is done in Spring according to the moon, all wines are unfined and unfiltered.
The estate encompasses 9 hectares under vine, 7.5 in production. 2022 marked ten years since Yann took over the estate from his parents. At the beginning of his tenure Yann isolated two parcels (Fleurie Chaos and Morgon Dynamite) and employed biodynamic farming practices only on them. Analysis was done every year, the soils were teeming with life and now all farming at Bertrand is Biodynamic.
2024 is best expressed in Yann’s words
You know what they say : tradition obliges ! And 2024 is no exception to the rule, since we have been spoiled by hail again ! Yes, you read that right, 9 hailstorms in 12 years, a score worthy of an apocalyptic film. But rest assured, even if Météo-France seems to want to rewrite history, this vintage evokes a beautiful nostalgia for my first years of winemaking, with the white hair that is added to my experience (and no, it is not stress, it is wisdom!). In short, all this to say that I am delighted to offer you a vintage that will take you on a journey through time... without a DeLorean, but almost !
2023, a year with cooler slower ripening gave beautiful fruit. Yields were 60% less due to hailstorms on the 9th and 11th July that wreaked havoc in Fleurie and Morgon.
This release sees wines from both 2023 and the beginning of 2024.
The estate cuvees: Beaujolais OH, Fleurie Coup d’Foudre, Fleurie Cuvee du Chaos, Morgon Dynamite and Fleurie Emile. Additionally three negoc wines: Beaujolais Lantignie, Fleurie Phenix, Morgon Iron.
This 1.1 hectare vineyard has been farmed with biodynamic principles since 2013.
The vines range from 45 - 70 years and are planted on sandy granitic soil. Elevage in 80% old barriques and 20% Demi-muids of at least 6+ years of age followed by 10 months aging in bottle prior to release.
Nose is shy initially. Florals and red fruits build, raspberry, peony and violets. Elegance. Tannins are incredibly fine, the mineral pulsates. Red fruits shine, the crunch of freshness. Structure and power yet fine and fluid. - Liz Carey, Importer.
