Lan Bertrand

Lan Bertrand is the winemaker behind Domaine Minhaé which she founded in 2021 after she finished her studies in winemaking. Lan is dedicated to organic and biodynamic viticulture, without confining to the specifications of the certifications, focusing on regenerative farming, protecting the biodiversity, implementing practices to combat climate changes and natural wine production. The vineyard spans several appellations, including Beaujolais, Beaujolais Villages, Moulin à Vent, and Régnié. The estate covers a variety of terroirs, with soils ranging from alluvial deposits to granite, providing a diverse foundation for the vines.

The terroir of Blacé

Blacé, located in the Beaujolais region of France, is renowned for its unique terroir that significantly influences the character of its wines. The vineyards in Blacé are primarily planted on granite and schistous soils, which are shallow and well-drained. This type of soil is ideal for the Gamay grape, the predominant varietal in the region, as it encourages deep root growth and enhances the mineral complexity of the wines.

The altitude of the vineyards, often around 500 meters, contributes to a cooler microclimate, which is beneficial for maintaining acidity and freshness in the grapes. This elevation, combined with the granite terroir, results in wines that are expressive, with vibrant fruit flavors and a distinct minerality.

The climate in Blacé is characterized by warm summers and mild winters, with sufficient rainfall to support vine growth without excessive water stress. This balanced climate allows for a long growing season, enabling the grapes to develop full ripeness while retaining their natural acidity.

In the vineyard

In the vineyard Lan focus on low-intervention farming, emphasizing the health of the soil and the surrounding ecosystem. The vines, with an average age of 65 years, are meticulously cared for to ensure they produce high-quality grapes. Cover crops and natural composts are used to maintain soil fertility and biodiversity.

Overall, Lan tries to intervene as little as possible in the vineyard promoting a natural balance and restoring life to the vineyards.

In the cellar

Lan emphasizes spontaneous fermentation and avoids mechanical interventions. Indigenous yeasts are used for fermentation, and minimal sulphites are added to the wines. The wines are unfined and unfiltered. This hands-off approach allows the wines to express the true character of their terroir. Lan uses traditional methods, such as foot treading and manual punch-downs, to gently extract flavors and tannins from the grapes.

The wines of Lan

Lan’s wines are characterized by their purity and vibrancy. The range includes light, fruity Beaujolais, and Beaujolais Villages, as well as more structured and tannic wines like Moulin à Vent and Régnié. Each wine reflects the unique terroir of its appellation. The Beaujolais wines are known for their vibrant fruit flavors and refreshing acidity, while the Moulin à Vent and Régnié wines offer more complexity and aging potential.