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Meet the winemaker – Bruno Bernard




Do you remember when you first started working with Averys?
It has been more than ten years – since 2006.

Bordeaux has long been a favourite with Averys customers. What is it that makes the wines of your region so special?
Famous all over the world, Bordeaux wines benefit from an outstanding savoir-faire. Because of its vineyard millennial history and the legendary world of classified Grands Crus, Bordeaux wines are known by everyone. Bordeaux also produces some of the less expensive wines in France, notably Bordeaux and Bordeaux Supérieur. Hundreds of remarkable wines are often found at excellent value. Today, this is the case of Château Bernot. The different terroirs also give wines typical characters, each with its own personality and the possibility of satisfying all wine lovers.

We’re just launching the 2016 vintage Château Bernot. Can you tell us a bit more about the vintage?
2016 is an exceptional vintage because of the quality of the wines produced throughout Bordeaux, in line with the great vintages of 2005, 2009, 2010 and 2015. The 2016 vintage has produced elegant wines with a dark colour, a well-balanced palate with beautiful acidity, silky tannins of great elegance and excellent ageing potential. The wines are extremely fresh and show a bright fruit, even more spectacular than in 2015. The 2016 vintage has benefited from optimal conditions for the ripening and production of high quality wines and Château Bernot was no exception.

Like Averys, your family has a long tradition in wine. How important is family and tradition to you as a wine business?
Château Bernot is a family property belonging to our family (Bernard family) since the 16th century. For 35 years, my brother and I have been leading it with the same passion our parents and grandparents have shown before us. It's a family story and a heritage that we will pass on to our own children. In this profession, the transmission of knowledge and therefore of tradition is important so that the inherited terroir gives us the best of itself, vintage after vintage. The family is also a great support in a profession that remains subject to the vagaries of the weather and the increasingly demanding world market.

This wine is due in on Wednesday 14th March - link to follow.

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