Tour des Gendres Bergerac Rouge 2016
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2018-
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On some of the most beautiful land in southwest France, Château Tour des Gendres sits in the appellation of Bergerac. This centuries-old stronghold of classic French food and wine culture is located on the banks of the Dordogne River, a 90-minute drive east of Bordeaux.
The story of Château Tour des Gendres began back in the 1920s when Vincenzo de Conti left Italy to start a new life in Southwestern France. In 1980, their grandson, Luc de Conti, an accomplished horse trainer, decided to embark on a new adventure of viticulture and winemaking. The vines on the estate had been neglected for many years when Luc took charge, restructuring the vineyards and planting new vines. In 1990 his cousin Frances joined him, bringing 20 hectares of vineyards, for a total of 49 hectares on the family estate. In 1994, they became the first in the region to move away from pesticides and chemicals and turn to 100% organic farming. A new generation is continuing this legacy, embodied by Margaux, Gilles, and Guillaume de Conti.
The estate is considered one of the best in the Bergerac appellation and the wines are on virtually every fine wine list in France, reflecting the experience and passion of the de Conti family, as well as the rugged charm of their singular terroir.
One of the world’s most classic and popular styles of red wine, Bordeaux-inspired blends have spread from their homeland in France to nearly every corner of the New World. Typically based on either Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot and supported by Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot, the best of these are densely hued, fragrant, full of fruit and boast a structure that begs for cellar time. Somm Secret—Blends from Bordeaux are generally earthier compared to those from the New World, which tend to be fruit-dominant.
Offering the perfect balance of quality and value, Southwest, France is a recognized appellation that encompasses all wine regions in France’s southwestern corner (except for Bordeaux and Cognac, which merit their very own). Two of the more famous subregions here are Cahors, known for its Malbec, and Madiran, home of the robust Tannat grape. Bordeaux Blends are also popular red wines of the Southwest; Petit Manseng is the regions’s star autochthonous white variety.