Bernard van Berg is the first Dutch winemaker on this website. Although he never lived in The Netherlands and he doesn't speak any Dutch. He lived in Brussels for most of his life, until he moved to Meursault in 2001 after a career as a photographer. His objective: making "le vin le plus simplement". But making wine the way he does is by no means simple!
As always, it all starts in the vineyards. Bernard owns 8 parcels (2 hectares in total), mostly located in Meursault and Puligny-Montrachet (all wines are just labeled Bourgogne Grand Ordinaire). He works the vineyards organically, and he ploughs with a horse. But not just that: he doesn't use a tractor at all! Spraying the vines is done by walking through the vineyard with a small tank on the back! Yields are kept extremely low: 10 to 15 hectolitres per hectare.
Harvest is of course done by hand, as late as possible in order to have perfectly ripe grapes. After a severe triage, only whole bunches are used. There is never any chaptilisation! Only natural yeasts are used. All wines are aged in 100% new barrels (chene de l'Allier with a light chauffage). Elevage lasts at least 18 month. Bottling takes place without filtration.
Despite the use of all new barrel, the wines don't taste oaky at all. They are very pure, with lovely concentrated fruit. Really unique wines!
