Bergerac

Le Clos du Breil

An unrivalled approach to vineyard selections.

Yann represents the sixth generation of the Vergniaud family of wine growers in Saint Léon d’Issigeac in Bergerac.

Clos du Breil is a family-run estate with 15 hectares of vines, 12.5 ha of which are planted to red grape varieties and 2.5 ha to white. The vineyards are located 45 metres above sea level on a plateau of clay-limestone soils that are sound, structured and porous with good aeration.

The vineyards have been entirely restructured. After studying geography, Yann now spends all of his time at Clos du Breil. In-depth analyses of soil structures led to vines being uprooted and extended with plots entirely revisited based on a new mapping of the vineyards.

Marselan and Saperavi, two red grape varieties that are not native to South-West France and react well to water stress and therefore climate change, were planted. Production of red, rosé, dry and sweet white wines and the creation of a range starting in 2009 laid the foundations for a portfolio with four levels of prices and complexity: the Classiques and the Odyssée, Expression and Lei Peires labels.

Testimonial:

Yann now wants to build a winery at Clos du Breil, also based on single vineyards. “When you have a small area under vine like we do and when the vineyards have been entirely restructured, the aim is to ferment and mature each vineyard separately. I am considering introducing concrete and egg-shaped tanks along with stainless steel in my winery”.

The Vergniaud family began working with Julien Belle 15 years ago and Julien provides assistance at every stage of change. “We do not lose sight of the fact that we are constantly moving forward and that the road mapped out – involving a constant quest for quality – must be approached with humility and rigour”.

Distinguishing features:

“We literally have an overview of our vineyards. Water stress and consistency in ripening levels are confirmed by drone observations. Whilst continuing to apply the principles that dictate our work in the vineyards and the winery – maximising quality, patience, humility and sharing – we aim to foresee and better manage the hazards of nature using cutting-edge precision tools”.

WINE FACT SHEETS:

Le Clos du Breil

Red, Dry White and Rosé Bergerac

Sustainably farmed vineyards
Soils: clay-limestone on a plateau.
Price: €6.70 incl. VAT ex-cellar.

Le Clos du Breil « L’Odyssée »

Red and Dry White Bergerac

Sustainably farmed vineyards
Soils: clay-limestone on a plateau.
Ageing: lengthy maceration, ageing in tanks for 10 to 16 months, little or no filtering. Production depending on vintage potential.
Price: €9.50 incl. VAT ex-cellar.

Le Clos du Breil « Expression »

Red and Dry White Bergerac.

Sustainably farmed vineyards
Soils: clay-limestone on a plateau.
Ageing: in oak casks for the reds, on fine lees with stirring for the whites.
Price: €12.50 incl. VAT ex-cellar.

Le Clos du Breil « Lei Peires »

Red Bergerac.

Sustainably farmed vineyards
Soils: limestone, seams of flint, shallow, restrictive soils.
Ageing: 24 months in new French oak casks with an extra fine grain.
Price: €25 incl. VAT ex-cellar.

Consultant winemaker: Julien Belle