2019 Albert De Conti Bergerac Rouge ‘Cuvée Des Conti’

60 % Merlot, 40 % Malbec; all certified organic. The vineyard is over a limestone bedrock that grants minerality to the wines. The topsoil is clay, which contributes complexity and structure. Fully destemmed and given 20 days of maceration. Fermented and aged simply in stainless steel. No sulphur additions- zero/zero! 13% alcohol. 

Nose of blackberries, blackcurrant, forest floor, graphite with a floral touch. The flavor profile is dark and savory, with tart plum, blackberry, graphite, earth and cocoa most prominent. Medium bodied, with balanced medium tannins and acidity. 

The story of Domaine Albert de Conti began in the 1920s when Vincenzo de Conti left Italy to start a new life in Southwestern France. In 1963, the youngest son, Albert, moved with his wife to the town of Saint-Julien d’Eymet. He planted several acres of vines, and eventually, his son, Francis, took over the vineyard management, producing wines at the local cooperative. In 1990, Francis joined his cousin, Luc, to create Château Tour des Gendres.

The next generation is breathing new life into the family legacy. Having worked together for five years at Château Tour des Gendres, Francis’ children Guillaume and Paul de Conti, joined by the cellar master, Yann Lecoindre, re-established their family estate by assuming Francis’ 65 acres of vineyards. In addition, they hold a 12.5 acre plot in Le Grand Caillou in the village of Sadillac. The clay, limestone, and silt soils have been farmed organically for many years. To further improve their wines, the team is implementing biodynamic and agroforestry methods to restore and strengthen the natural balance of the land.