Nestled in the exceptional terroirs of Lantignié, a region known for its striking pink granite and blue stone soils, Frédéric Berne and his dedicated team are on a mission to restore the prestige of the “Little French Tuscany.” Their work pays homage to this unique land, a cornerstone of the Beaujolais region, by crafting wines that embody its essence.
Frédéric’s journey into winemaking was inspired by a childhood marked by an indifference to Beaujolais wines, an injustice he has vowed to correct. Fueled by this challenge, he set out to create wines that honour the potential of his terroir while pushing the boundaries of quality. For Frédéric, being a winemaker goes far beyond crafting exceptional bottles—it begins with being an attentive and thoughtful farmer.
Understanding that great wine starts with exceptional fruit, Frédéric places the utmost importance on soil health. Early in his career, he recognized the intricate relationship between soil vitality, grape quality, and the final wine. His commitment to nurturing the land led him to delve deeply into agricultural practices that prioritize soil preservation and regeneration.
Frédéric’s approach breaks away from conventional, intensive farming. Instead, his team embraces agroecology, a philosophy that views the vineyard as an integral part of the broader ecosystem. This holistic method fosters biodiversity, preserves natural resources, and lays the foundation for producing grapes that authentically express the characteristics of the land.
A key pillar of Frédéric’s philosophy is agroforestry—the practice of planting trees within the vineyards. This strategy not only offsets the carbon deficit caused by deforestation but also restores the balance between flora and fauna. By enriching the soil with organic matter and providing natural habitats for beneficial organisms, the vines become more resilient, capable of producing grapes with outstanding flavor and complexity.
Every aspect of vineyard management at Domaine Frédéric Berne is intentional. Pruning techniques prioritize the vine’s sap flow, ensuring it receives adequate nourishment and builds reserves to thrive through growth and resist diseases. The team relies solely on organic treatments, steering clear of chemical remedies or antibiotics, and focuses on maintaining a complete, self-sustaining ecosystem.
Harvesting is done meticulously by hand, allowing for careful selection of the best grapes right from the start. The vinification process, guided by Frédéric and his team’s vigilance, aims to minimize additives while preserving the wine’s balance and vibrant taste. This approach ensures the production of living, dynamic wines that reflect the vitality of their origin.
The result of Frédéric’s dedication is a collection of wines that are alive and character-rich, balanced, and deeply rooted in the traditions of Beaujolais. Each bottle is a testament to his respect for the land and his vision of reconnecting people with the true potential of this remarkable region.
Discover the wines of Domaine Frédéric Berne, where passion, innovation, and nature converge to craft experiences as exceptional as the terroirs they spring from.
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