L'Etoile du Berger Red Bordeaux 2019

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.

Bordeaux is one of the most renowned wine regions in the world. It is located in the southwest of France. The Gironde River divides the region into the Left and Right Bank, each with distinct wine characteristics.

The Left Bank includes the Médoc and Graves regions. The Médoc is famous for its Cabernet Sauvignon-based wines. Notable appellations here include Pauillac, Margaux, and Saint-Estèphe. Graves, located south of Médoc, is known for red and white wines, with Pessac-Léognan being a key appellation.

The Right Bank is home to the Libournais region. The most famous areas are Saint-Émilion and Pomerol. Saint-Émilion is known for its Merlot-dominant wines, often blended with Cabernet Franc. Pomerol, though smaller, is highly esteemed for its rich, full-bodied Merlot wines.

Between the two banks lies the Entre-Deux-Mers area, known for its dry white wines. The name means "between two seas," referring to the Garonne and Dordogne rivers that define the region. This area produces Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon, and Muscadelle grapes.

Bordeaux's climate is maritime, influenced by its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean. This results in mild winters and warm summers, with ample rainfall that supports viticulture. The region's soils vary, with gravel, limestone, clay, and sand contributing to the diversity of its wines.

Bordeaux wines are often blends. Red Bordeaux, also known as Claret, typically combines Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc. White Bordeaux wines may blend Sémillon, Sauvignon Blanc, and Muscadelle.

The region is also famous for its sweet wines, mainly from Sauternes and Barsac. These wines are made from grapes affected by noble rot, which concentrates their sugars and flavors. Bordeaux has a long history of wine production, dating back to Roman times. It continues to be a benchmark for quality and style in the wine world.