Yann Bertrand - 2023 Phenix
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.
Fruit grown by Sylvain Chanudet on a steep slope in La Madone. This is the third release of Cuvee Phoenix, being produced in 2016, 2019 and now 2023. The terroir is completely different to Grand Pre, here the top soil is shallow, with harder and stonier granite underneath, at 400 meters altitude. Elevaged in used demi-muids for 9 months.
Pretty. Mineral aromas, along with David Austin roses and raspberry. The tannins are silken yet have some grip. Cool red fruits. Tight coil. Mineral acidity drives. Graphite. One for the cellar if you can
Le Rouge et le Blanc #159 Fleurie le Grand Cru du Beaujolais? (Jan 2026) - Subtle and pulpy structure. A juicy and dynamic floral. A little discreet at the moment and deserving of a year or two aging. - Liz Carey, Importer.
