Róbert Wessman's Maison Wessman buys the Vignoble des Verdots

Róbert Wessman, and Maison Wessman, with the acquisition on 26th October 2021 of the Vignoble des Verdots, emblematic estate at the heart of the Bergerac appellations and Monbazillac, have consolidated their local roots in the Périgord with these 45 hectares of vines: a terroir on which the trading house already has its historic vineyard in Saint-Cernin-de-Labarde.

In the context of its development in France and internationally, Maison Wessman thus integrates into its portfolio a range of wines recognized at regional levels and national for their quality. This redemption also allows the Vineyard des Verdots to benefit from human and material resources, and additional funds made available by Maison Wessman to support its growth in the region, as well as internationally.

The Verdots vineyard: 45 hectares of sustainable production

Located in Conne-de-Labarde, on a terroir made up of clay, limestone and flint, the Vignoble des Verdots is modern state, renowned for the quality of its wines. It has 18 hectares planted with white grape varieties: Sémillon, Sauvignon Blanc, Sauvignon Gris et Muscadelle; and 26 hectares planted with red varieties: Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc et Malbec.

The 2020 vintage produced 150,000 bottles of Clos des Verdots, Château Les Tours des Verdots, and Grand Vin “Les Verdots”.

With the adage of work in the vines that respects tradition and the environment, these wines best express the complexity and richness of their terroir. The fruit of meticulous and reasoned cultivation, they are the best expression of the noble grape varieties found in this historic region.

Róbert Wessman, new owner of Vignoble des Verdots, confides: “The very high quality of Bergerac wines is unfairly overlooked! Almost 20 years ago, I bought the Château de Saint-Cernin, here, near Bergerac, which allowed me to discover the great wines of the region which I unfortunately find too little recognized. I have always had a particular crush on the Vignoble des Verdots and its wines, and my wish is to help give them the influence they deserve, including internationally. "

This buyout is not the project of just Róbert Wessman, but that of an entire team working together, each at their own level of expertise, to produce quality wines. This is why Maison Wessman keeps the team in place for its know-how and customer knowledge. James de Roany, also manager of Maison Wessman's other vineyards, succeeds David Fourtout in the management of the vineyard. He explains: “At Maison Wessman we strive to produce the best possible wines on carefully identified terroirs. The Verdots wines are magnificent, and we will continue to produce them in the same spirit and with the same team.

David Fourtout kindly agreed to continue working with us as a technical advisor in order to help us guarantee this qualitative continuity. "

One of the peculiarities of the Vignoble des Verdots is its underground aging cellar, carved into the rock, and crossed by an underground river called "Les Verdots", discovered by chance during the construction work, and which thus gave its name to the domain.

This river is an integral part of the aging and maturing cellar as it acts as natural air conditioning. It can be observed in the cavities in the center and at the ends of the cellar.

In order to respond to a strong societal expectation of clean viticulture, the Vignoble des Verdots operates the reasoned struggle, a method of treatment of the vine which is opposed to massive chemical treatments and allows a treatment adapted to each situation in order to minimize the interventions. chemicals to a minimum. Reasoned pest management allows viticulture that respects the environment and is economically viable for the producer, while highlighting the terroir and its uniqueness with this sustainable production method, respectful of people and their environment.

David Fourtout (former owner and manager): "Continuing the work of the 3 generations that came before me, I have the feeling that I have been able to elevate the Verdots Vineyard and its wines to a form of excellence. The takeover by Maison Wessman is an exceptional opportunity because the buyers, who are extremely technically and commercially competent, will continue to promote it, in France and internationally. "

About the Verdots vineyard

In 1992, David Fourtout took over the Vignoble des Verdots, owned by his family for 4 generations. The estate covers 45 hectares of vines, 60% of which are red and 40% white (Sémillon, Sauvignon Blanc, Sauvignon Gris and Muscadelle), according to a method of sustainable cultivation with harvest carried out exclusively by hand.

www.verdots.com/

About Maison Wessman

Epicurean and passionate about wine, Robert Wessman is an Icelandic businessman from the pharmaceutical world. In 2005, he acquired a feudal château based in the heart of Périgord Pourpre, an underestimated terroir, to produce, with his wife, Ksenia Wessman, haute couture wines, meeting specifications and according to a precise organoleptic profile, in exclusive quantities.

From this project was born Maison Wessman, a high-end wine trading house.

After the completion of its 1st vintage, the N ° 1 Saint-Cernin Rouge (which won the prize for the Best regional winegrower of the year - Bergerac and Duras appellation - in 2018), Maison Wessman extended its discovery of French terroirs to two other regions. The PDO Limoux, with the development of a 100% Chardonnay white wine, the N ° 1 Saint-Cernin Blanc, then a second wine, the Petit Cernin Blanc. The AOC Champagne then, with first the creation of a rosé champagne, the Champagne Wessman One Premier Cru Brut Rosé, then most recently the Champagne Wessman One Premier Cru Brut whose commercial launch is scheduled for November 2021.

For more information: maisonwessman-wines.com/fr