Château Tour des Gendres - Côtes-de-Bergerac Les Anciens Francs 2018

We love this 100% Cabernet Franc wine, produced only when the vintage is right. The nose is vibrant and refined, with notes of fresh raspberry, sweet mint, and spices; on the palate, it’s delicate without being thin, very spicy and fruity, with lovely body, freshness, and incredible length. Magnificent!

This estate is the family stronghold of the Conti family. Luc de Conti purchased the estate in 1981. His cousin Francis and his son Guillaume joined him, while his daughter Margaux chose another estate (Barouillet) and his son Gilles pursued a career in brewing. Fifty hectares are farmed organically, and a small portion (12 hectares) is farmed biodynamically.

Savagnin, a grape variety from the Jura region, is making its debut in the Bergerac region! A craft brewery and a distillery are further diversifying the estate’s offerings. With Gilles and Margaux de Conti, the new generation—full of ideas—took over this family estate in 2022. While creating original vintages, they continue to produce the appellation wines that have made Château Tour des Gendres famous. The estate was founded in 1981 by their father Luc, the son of farmers and winemakers and the grandson of Italian immigrants who settled in the region in 1925. The estate, which now spans 30 hectares, began transitioning to organic farming in 1996, prior to receiving certification in 2009.

Cabernet Franc grown on limestone for *Les Anciens Francs*, a cuvée bursting with aromas of red berries, grenadine, and spices, with elegant tannins.

The 52-hectare estate has recently been divided between the two branches of the family. Luc de Conti, who has been delighting us with his Bergerac wines for twenty-five years, has parted ways with his cousin and, together with his children, Margaux and Gilles, is building a new future for the estate. The vineyard, managed entirely using organic farming methods, produces full-bodied whites and reds that adhere to the classic Bergerac style. Beer, whiskey, and truffles will also now be part of the lineup for the Conti label’s celebrations.

This rich, aromatic, and smoky wine comes from a plot of old Cabernet Franc vines. It is very young, displaying blackcurrant fruit and considerable acidity, which will mellow as the wine ages. The structure is well-balanced, and the wine will be impressive. Best enjoyed starting in 2023. Organic.