Château Brande-Bergere

Identity

Château Brande-Bergère is a winegrowing estate located in Les Églisottes, in Gironde. It is owned by Denis Dalibot and his wife. The estate also benefits from the expertise of cellar master Thibaud Boulery and consultant oenologist Julien Belle. Nicolas Dalibot collaborates with the estate on press relations.

History and Philosophy

The history of Château Brande-Bergère dates back to the 18th century with the cultivation of vines. The estate's chartreuse was built around 1780 by an Irish nobleman named O'Byrne, who gave his name to one of the château's cuvées. The vineyard as it is known today was established in the mid-19th century by a wine merchant from Libourne.

In 1997, Denis Dalibot and his wife acquired the property. Extensive renovation work was undertaken across the château and the winegrowing facilities, notably the vat room dating back to 1850, restored using traditional materials. The estate is an independent grower-producer and does not purchase external grapes.

Appellations

Château Brande-Bergère produces its wines under the Bordeaux Supérieur appellation. The vineyard plots are situated north of the Libournais, in the commune of Les Églisottes.

Practical Information

Château Brande-Bergère is located at 1734 route de Brande-Bergère, 33230 Les Églisottes. The estate can be contacted by telephone on +33 (0)5 57 49 51 52 or by email at info@brandebergere.com. The tasting cellar and shop are open from 8 am to 3 pm. Visits are available without an appointment, and mail order is also offered.

Learn More

Official estate website

The Vineyard (Terroir)

The vineyard of Château Brande-Bergère extends over 8 hectares, north of Saint-Émilion. It is situated on a silica-gravel knoll with a clay subsoil, forming one of the highest points in Gironde at an altitude of around 80 metres, offering sweeping views across the Dronne valley. The vines are surrounded by woodland.

The grape varieties are dominated by Merlot (accounting for around half), complemented by Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon. Specifically, for the red wines, the blend is approximately 40% Merlot, 35% Cabernet Franc, and 25% Cabernet Sauvignon. The average age of the vines is around 30 years. The estate practices sustainable viticulture (viticulture raisonnée), including grass cover between rows, de-suckering, and green harvesting. Soil management is mechanical, with no herbicides used. Harvesting is carried out by hand.

Flagship Cuvées

The estate produces two red cuvées and one rosé wine.

Château Brande-Bergère Cuvée O'Byrne: This red cuvée is crafted from a selection of the finest grapes, led by the two Cabernets (Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon) and complemented by Merlot. The wine is characterised by a palate structure and aromatic complexity that flourish after extended ageing. It is aged for approximately eighteen months in French oak barrels, one-third of which are renewed each year.

Château Brande-Bergère Tradition: The estate's second red cuvée.

Château Brande-Bergère Rosé: This rosé wine is distinguished by its pale hue and freshness. It displays delicate fruity notes and a harmonious balance between vegetal and mineral textures, culminating in a lingering finish.

Vinification and Ageing

Vinification of the red wines takes place in concrete vats. For the Cuvée O'Byrne, ageing is carried out in French oak barrels—renewed by one-third annually—and lasts for around eighteen months. This approach aims to refine the structure and aromatic complexity of the wines.