Château Haut-Bertinerie
シャトー・オー・ベルティヌリー
France's largest Lyre-trained estate, crafting Decanter Gold Medal-winning Sauvignon Blanc and silky reds from the Right Bank of Bordeaux.
Château Haut-Bertinerie is a historic family estate in Cubnezais, at the heart of the Blaye-Côtes de Bordeaux appellation on the Right Bank of the Gironde. Under five generations of the Bantegnies family — today led by brothers Eric and Frantz — the 60-hectare domaine is celebrated as the largest property in France trained entirely using the 'Lyre' vine-training system, a canopy management technique developed by France's National Agronomic Research Institute (INRA). The Lyre method opens the vine canopy to optimize sun exposure and airflow, yielding smaller quantities of grapes with exceptional ripeness and silkier, rounder tannins. Three distinct soil types — clay-limestone slopes, clay-sand plateau, and clay-limestone terraces — allow the estate to craft wines of remarkable complexity. The white Grand Vin, produced from 100% Sauvignon Blanc vines averaging 25 years of age, earned 95 Points and a Gold Medal at the Decanter World Wine Awards; the 2022 red Grand Vin earned the same distinction. The estate holds HVE Level 3 certification (Haute Valeur Environnementale), reflecting its deep commitment to sustainable viticulture and environmental stewardship.
www.chateaubertinerie.com ↗Cuvées
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Who Is This For?
Perfect for wine enthusiasts who love discovering hidden gems of Bordeaux — especially those seeking an elegant, mineral-driven Sauvignon Blanc or a smooth, fruit-forward Merlot-based red that bridges classic Bordeaux character with everyday enjoyment. Also ideal for those who enjoy pairing wines with Japanese cuisine: the white's bright citrus and elderflower aromatics harmonize beautifully with sashimi, seafood, and delicate umami dishes, while the red's silky tannins complement grilled meats and soy-glazed preparations.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What makes Château Haut-Bertinerie unique among Bordeaux estates?
- The estate is the largest in France trained entirely using the 'Lyre' vine-training system — a technique developed by the INRA that opens the canopy for superior sun exposure and airflow. This, combined with three distinct terroir types (clay-limestone slopes, clay-sand plateau, and clay-limestone terraces) in Cubnezais, produces wines with exceptional ripeness, silky tannins, and aromatic complexity rarely found at this price level.
- What wines does Château Haut-Bertinerie produce?
- The estate produces two flagship cuvées: the Grand Vin Blanc, made from 100% Sauvignon Blanc from 25-year-old vines on chalky-clay soils, noted for elderflower, Sicilian lemon, and barrel-fermented creaminess; and the Grand Vin Rouge, a Merlot-dominated blend with Cabernet Sauvignon. Both have earned 95 Points and Gold Medals at the Decanter World Wine Awards.
- Is Château Haut-Bertinerie committed to sustainable farming?
- Yes. The estate holds HVE Level 3 (Haute Valeur Environnementale) certification — the highest tier awarded by the French Ministry of Agriculture. This recognizes exceptional standards in biodiversity conservation, responsible use of fertilizers and water, and protection of natural flora across the entire estate.
- How does Château Haut-Bertinerie white wine pair with Japanese food?
- The Grand Vin Blanc's vivid citrus aromatics — elderflower, lemon, and fine mineral notes with a leesy, creamy texture — make it a natural partner for Japanese cuisine. It excels alongside sashimi, sea bream carpaccio, oysters, cold tofu (hiyayakko), and light vegetable tempura. The refreshing acidity cleanses the palate and enhances the delicate umami of washoku.
- What is the Blaye-Côtes de Bordeaux appellation and why is it gaining attention?
- Located 45 km north of Bordeaux city on the Right Bank of the Gironde — directly opposite the Médoc — Blaye-Côtes de Bordeaux covers 6,500 hectares across 41 communes. Long prized for its clay-limestone terroir, the appellation is attracting renewed interest for delivering authentic Bordeaux character, both red and white, at accessible price points. Producers like Château Haut-Bertinerie are leading this quality renaissance.