The Wine: L'Etoile du Berger Red Bordeaux 2019

Crafted from Merlot grapes grown in the vineyards of Sainte Foy-la-Grande, situated in the eastern part of the Gironde department. The region's clay and limestone soil shapes the wine's character. Fermented spontaneously, then aged for 18 months in a concrete tank without the use of fining or filtration techniques.

The Producer: Les Terres Dubien

Les Terres Dubien, established in 2020, is a boutique estate with 3 hectares of vineyards located across Saint-Yzans-du-Médoc, Couquèques, and Lesparre in the Médocaine peninsula, near Bordeaux. Under the guidance of winemaker Benoit, the estate is committed to organic and biodynamic farming practices, emphasizing the unique terroir of each plot.

The estate adopts a tailored approach to vineyard management, with tillage and plant cover varying from plot to plot. Infusions made from plants, many of which are harvested directly from the estate or nearby areas in Médoc, are used in the vineyards alongside minimal applications of copper and sulfur. The harvesting process is manual, involving the help of friends, adding a personal touch to their wines.

In the winemaking process, Les Terres Dubien focuses on natural methods, utilizing native yeasts and aiming for gentle extractions, often foregoing the use of a wine pump. The objective is to highlight the natural fruit flavors and achieve finesse in the wines. The aging process ranges from 8 to 18 months in vats and old barrels, depending on the specific cuvées. Bottling is done without fining or filtration, with sulfur dioxide levels between 0 and 30 mg/L, varying with the vintage. Les Terres Dubien also engages in collaborative projects with other winemakers outside the Médoc region.