2021 Albert De Conti Bergerac Sec Blanc ‘Cuvée Des Conti’

50% Sémillon, 40% Sauvignon Blanc, 10% Muscadelle; 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. 100% destemmed, the grapes are then left to macerate for 48 hours on their skins. A natural clarification occurs at a cold temperature of 7°C, without enzymes. The fermentation takes place in stainless steel temperature-controlled vats at 18°C, with macro-oxygenation and stirring of the lees throughout the 8 months of aging. The Muscadelle is aged in oak barrels, Sémillon and Sauvignon Blanc are aged on the lees in vats. Bentonite (clay) is used for fining, and filtration is minimal.

Tasting Notes

Pours a golden color and exudes aromas of grapefruit, orange peel, peach, flowers and herbs, hay, almonds and honey. Medium bodied and dry, with fairly high acidity. Mostly crisp, but with a little bit of leesy richness.

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.