Berthollier Vignerons
Chignin, Savoie France
Brothers Didier and Denis Berthollier thrive on the challenge of working the steep slopes of Chignin on Southern flanks the Bauges Massif. Focussing on local varieties Bergeron (Roussanne) and Jacquere, with lesser plantings of Mondeuse, Gamay and Pinot Noir, the vineyard comprises 11 hectares of vertiginous blocks planted on the South facing slopes that attain up to a 55% incline at their steepest. A thin veneer of glacial tillite, exposed bedrock and limestone colluvium have for centuries provided a perfect substrate to ripen fruit of great purity and finesse.
With the steepness of the terroir, all work in the vineyard is exclusively by hand. The soils are tended according to organic and selected biodynamic principals, essentially practising the same techniques that their grandfather used at the beginning of the 20th century. Utilising limited inputs, indigenous yeast and extended maturation, the brother’s priority is to produce mountain wines that reflect the terroir as authentically as possible.
www.chignin.com
Matray & Filles
Beaulolais, France
Bruno and Maud Matray represent the 4th and 5th generation of family cultivating these special sites and crafting beguiling Cru Beaujolais and premium Chardonnay from their pristine organically grown fruit.
Bruno took over the family estate in Fleurie (Grille Midi) in 1991 from his father George, who had in turn taken the reigns from Gradnfather Marius and before that great grand father Louis.
In 2005 Bruno set about restructuring and implementing sustainable practices in order to elevate the quality while ensuring the health of the environment. He also started an expansion plan that involved the purchase of vineyards in Morgon (Les Charmes) and Julienas (Les Fouillouses).
His restructure culminated in the decision to convert all the vineyards (now comprising 40 acres) to full organic certification in 2018.
In 2020 Maud Matray partnered with her father after 5 years working as a civil engineer and then retraining in viticulture and oenology. Since coming on board Maud has been the driving force behind the conversion to organics (AB – Agriculture Biologique) and bringing the Matray et Filles label to being.
So, why the “S” on Filles in the estate name? Because the family is a big one and the rest is best told with a glass in hand!