Vineyards in Provence
Unique geological diversity
Two distinct entities in terms of geology and altitude characterise this terroir. The heart of our vineyard in Provence (80 % of the vines) is located on a limestone plateau at an altitude of 300 metres. This elevation brings cooler nights: the thermal amplitude allows the grapes to ripen more slowly, giving the wines greater freshness and aromatic finesse.
On this plateau, limestone dominates and ensures good drainage of rainfall, enabling the vines to draw water from deep underground and give the grapes their famous 'minerality'. On the palate, this translates into great subtlety, salinity and tension.
The remaining 20% of vineyards are located around the château, on light, sandy soils, which add richness to the wines.
This geological diversity, combined with the diversity of the grape varieties planted, provides the variety of choice that is essential for the blending of the estate's different cuvées.
Alexis Cornu, oenologist
"Between the over-oaked wines of the 90s and today's dictatorship of fruitiness, we believe that there is a path to elegance when making a gourmet rosé. Wood should not weigh the wine down, but add volume and aromatic complexity. It should also provide the wine with the right conditions for ageing".
A visionary oenologist
Among the estate's recent innovations, he played an active role in developing the new rosé cuvée from Château de Berne. A small part of the blend was fermented in selected wooden barrels and matured for several months. This new winemaking method required a few changes upstream, notably in the choice of plots selected to make up the blend, and a longer maceration time (contact of the juice with the grape skins). The result is a top-of-the-range, gourmet Provence rosé that's perfect for laying down.
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Everything you need to know about our vineyards in Provence
What is the history of our vineyards in Provence?
Traces of vine-growing have been found on the estate dating back to 200 BC, but it was not until the Middle Ages that monks took over the estate and worked the vines. The reputation of Berne wines began in the 18th century, and the estate has gone from strength to strength ever since.
How many hectares of vineyards does Bern have?
The Berne estate extends over almost 500 hectares of unspoilt countryside, 150 hectares of which are given over to the cultivation of vines.
What grape varieties are used in our Provence wine?
To make our rosé wine from ProvenceWe use a variety of black grape varieties, including Grenache Noir, Syrah, Cinsault and Carignan.
For our Provence red wineWe grow mainly Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon.
For the Provence white wineThe white varieties of rolle and sémillon come into play.
When should you visit our vineyards in Provence?
We offer a variety of ways to discover our Provencal vineyards and wines. The estate's sommeliers welcome you all year round, 7 days a week, to the tasting cellar, for a short oenology course, some great discoveries of Provence wines, or a tour of the vineyards. You can book your own unique experience for groups or individuals.
What are the special characteristics of Château de Berne wines?
Berne wines take advantage of the Mediterranean terroir to offer beautiful aromatic complexity and remarkable finesse. The red, white and rosé wines are elegant and full of character.
Why are Château de Berne wine bottles square?
The square bottle is truly the emblem of Château de Berne, and refers to the two 18th-century square towers at the entrance to the estate.
Is Côtes de Provence a terroir wine?
AOC Côtes-de-Provence is a terroir wine from the Provence wine-growing region. The vines take advantage of the Mediterranean climate and soils typical of the area to produce unique wines.
What to serve Côtes de Provence rosé wine with?
Côtes-de-Provence rosé wine is the star of aperitifs and barbecues, but it also goes wonderfully well with regional products from Provence and Mediterranean dishes.
What to serve Côte de Provence white wine with?
White Côtes de Provence is the perfect accompaniment to fish dishes, cheeses, white meats and grilled meats.
What to serve Côtes de Provence red wine with?
Red Côtes de Provence works wonders with red meat or Provençal dishes such as osso bucco or beef stew.
How long can I keep a Provence wine?
The length of time a Provence wine can be kept depends on the cuvée. Some long-keeping wines can be kept for up to 10 years, while others should be drunk young (2 to 3 years).
How many types of wine are there in Provence?
Provence wine comes in 3 colours: red, white and rosé. They can be natural or sparkling, dry or sweet... In Provence, the wines are divided into 9 appellations d'origine contrôlée.
