Vignoble des Verdots joins the exceptional wines of Maison Wessman

The Vignoble des Verdots, emblematic of the Bergerac and Monbazillac appellations, is part of the Maison Wessman business estate. Enough to consolidate its local roots in the Périgord with 45 hectares of additional vines. The trading house already has its historic vineyard in Saint Cernin-de-Labarde. To boost its development in France and abroad, Maison Wessman offers itself a range of wines recognized for their quality. On the Verdots vineyard side, this acquisition is an opportunity to make its Great Bergerac wines known internationally. As well as to benefit from the human and material resources of Maison Wessman, to strengthen its approach of reasoned viticulture.

The very high quality of Bergerac wines is unfairly unknown! Almost 20 years ago, I bought the Château de Saint-Cernin, here, next to Bergerac, which allowed me to discover the great wines of the region that I unfortunately find too little recognized. I have always had a particular crush on the Vignoble des Verdots and its wines, and my wish is to help give them the influence they deserve, including internationally.

Robert Wessman, new owner of the Vignoble des Verdots

Vineyards of verdots, Great wines of Bergerac in reasoned viticulture

The Vignoble des Verdots was a property of his family for 4 generations until its acquisition by the House of Wessman. Its 45 hectares of vines produce exceptional wines belonging to the Grands vins de Bergerac. Thus, the 2020 vintage is at the origin of 150,000 bottles in Clos des Verdots, Château Les Tours des Verdots, and Grand Vin “Les Verdots”.

vineyards verdots reasoned viticulture
Weissman House – Photography Aztiq Stephan Drengsson

More than recognized for the oenological quality of its wines, the Vignoble des Verdots has been committed for decades to a reasoned viticulture approach. In the property, the work of the vine goes hand in hand with respect for tradition and the environment. For good reason, nothing like products from a more ethical and respectful agriculture to bring out the richness of a terroir.

Thus, at the Vignoble des Verdots, the harvest is carried out exclusively by hand. Similarly, winegrowers practice a reasoned fight against pests and diseases. They adopt a method of treatment of the vine that avoids massive chemical treatments in favor of a treatment adapted to each situation. A sustainable mode of production that integrates environmental, economic and human considerations, in order to allow producers to make a better living from their work.

renowned vineyard Périgord great wines of bergerac
Vignoble Les Verdots aerial view – Photograph Aztiq Stephan Drengsson

Reasoned viticulture is therefore a step in the right direction, even if it remains less restrictive than the cultivation of organic or biodynamic wines. On the other hand, all these steps in favor of a wine of better quality for the environment and people are part of a global trend. A growing interest that is felt especially internationally. Thus, the sale of wine represents more than 50% of the 887 million euros of organic products exported. To be even more precise, organic exports even increased by 7.5% in 2020 compared to 2019, reflecting the persistent attraction for this type of product.

A vineyard carved around man and nature

Nature has been part of the Vignoble des Verdots since its creation. More than an initial desire, this reality was imposed from the construction of the underground aging cellar. Carved directly into the rock, it is crossed by the underground river “Les Verdots”. Which was discovered by chance during the construction work. It has since become an integral part of the place since it serves as a natural air conditioning.

The Wessman House intends to promote sustainable viticulture and the exploitation of the natural assets of the place. Anxious to develop an ethical project, she wishes to give a place of choice to the human … And favor continuity, know-how, tradition. Thus, it retains the current team of Vignoble des Verdots, rich in its level of expertise and its knowledge of customers.

underground river the verdots cellar wine bergerac
Underground river “Les Verdots” in the cellar of the Vineyard – Photograph by Loic Mazalrey

At Maison Wessman we strive to produce the best possible wines on carefully identified terroirs. The wines of Les Verdots are magnificent and we will continue to produce them in the same spirit and with the same team.

James de Roany, vineyard manager at Maison Wessman

Sources

  1. “Maison Wessman acquires the Vignoble des Verdots: continuing the momentum and strengthening its foothold in France”. Wessman House press release of 28 October 2021
  2. Organic, a key player in food sovereignty, press kit of the Bio agency, July 2021
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