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Tour des Gendres

Tour des Gendres is home to Luc de Conti, who runs the estate together with his brother Jean and his cousin, Francis, who maintains the vineyards. The 40 hectare estate is run certainly on organic lines, if not yet biodynamic. The family don't think the estate is ready for full conversion to viticulture biodynamique at present, although they are continually working the soil to improve its health. It is enriched with natural and organic fertilisers, such as compost and seaweed. Winery practices are as non-interventional as possible, with extensive use of the lees, although Luc de Conti does micro-oxygenate. But there is no racking, and minimal use of sulphur.

The wines include Moulin des Dames, both red and white cuvées produced from a 14 hectare parcel of vines on limestone and marl. The Tour des Gendres wines include a straight red Bergerac, followed by the Cuvée La Gloire de Mon Père and Anthologica, the latter a Bergerac fermented in 500 litre casks, intermittently rolled around in the winery, over an eight day period, in order to improve extraction. (29/8/05)

Contact details:
Address: 24240 Ribagnac
Telephone: +33 (0) 5 53 57 12 43
Fax: +33 (0) 5 53 58 89 49

Tour des Gendres - Tasting Notes

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Chateau Tour des Gendres Bergerac 2003: Deep, intense colour. Very ripe nose, full of macerated blackberries and damsons, flowers and more than a suggestion of soot. Impressive texture on entry, immediately followed up by a wave of extract, and then a minor assault of tannins. Plentiful structure, coated with fresh, acidic but super-ripe and creamy black fruits. Medium bodied, with the sooty tannins showing over this, and everything else, at the finish, but this reasonably concentrated wine simply needs a year or two in the cellar. Very good indeed. 16.5+/20 (August 2005)

Chateau Tour des Gendres Bergerac 2002: Lovely, deep, vibrant and glossy hue. Smoky nose of sweet read and black berries, with a blackcurrant leaf character to it. The palate is delightful; supple and rounded on entry, developing a voluptuous texture through the midpalate. This is very accessible, easily enjoyed wine, but with balanced acidity and good structure. It shows some tannic grip on the finish which is otherwise hidden beneath the coating of creamy fruit. A firm, grippy sensation to the length. Very good indeed. 16.5+/20 (August 2005)

Moulin des Dames Bergerac Sec 2001: A mid gold hue. A rich, heavily oak-influenced, quite buttery, with aromas of cream, corn oil and oatmeal. Good freshness on the palate, although with plenty of body, an oaky tannic grip and good structure. Quite decent acidity. Big, mouth-filling, impressive wine although much of its impact is oak-derived and this wouldn't appeal to all. Drink now and over the next few years. 16/20 (August 2005)