Maison Wessman encompasses two estates in the South West of France, Château de Saint-Cernin and Vignoble des Verdots. Each estate expresses its individual representation of Bergerac AOC, Monbazillac and Limoux.
The Story
In the early 2000s Robert & Ksenia Wessman acquired the 12th Century Château de Saint-Cernin. Located in Saint-Cernin-de-Labarde within Bergerac AOC.
To the southwest of Saint-Cernin in the small commune of Conne-de-Labarde within the renowned Périgord, lies Vignoble des Verdots. It was acquired by Maison Wessman in 2021.
Since 2021, both estates' wines have been made by Lise Sadirac.
With 19 years experience, previously focusing on organics and minimal invention, Lise works with the terroir and biodiversity of the vineyards.
Maison Wessman continues its commitment to a policy of sustainable development, taking an important step forward by offering the world’s first wine in the Green Gen Bottle® made from flax fibres, developed by the French start-up, Green Gen Technologies®. Small bottlings of both estates' wines will be allocated in small quantities.
Champagne Wessman One was launched when a strong partnership was built between Maison Wessman and Champagne Maison. The Champagne house produces a Brut NV & Brut Rosé NV from all Premier Cru vineyards. The Pinot Noir is sourced from Aÿ 100% Cru in the Montagne de Reims region and the Chardonnay, 100% Cru in Côte des Blancs.
Château de Saint-Cernin
Vineyards lie in the prestigious Haute Vallée of Limoux and the
high Issigeac plateau in Périgord, Bergerac. With over 2000 years of vine growing history, Issigeac is renowned for producing small yields of high quality grapes from the free draining limestone soils and sun exposed slopes.
In the foothills of the Pyrénées lie the Haute Vallée and Océanique vineyards in Limoux. Some vineyards are planted at 450m, the highest point of Limoux. The cool moderating sea breezes from the Mediterranean slows ripening and helps acid retention, producing some of Frances' most premium Chardonnays.
Since the first vintage, the wines are made under the expert guidance of world renowned oenologists, Michel Rolland and his business partner Julien Viaud.
Green Gen Bottle® has been used in a small bottling of Petit Cernin Rouge; a blend of 60% Merlot and 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, sourced mainly in the exceptional terroir of the Plateau d’Issigeac, in Périgord.
The Wines
Vignoble des Verdots
This modern estate has ample clay, limestone and flint soils making up some of the best vineyards found in Périgord, Bergerac.
19 hectares of Sémillon, Sauvignon Blanc, Sauvignon Gris and Muscadelle. Plus, 26 hectares allocated to Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Malbec & Mérille.
In the early 1990s an underground barrel cellar was dug to create the optimum ageing environment. The Verdots River flowing under the estate aids humidity levels, temperature stability and a natural underground water supply for vine health. The estate prioritizes working with terroir, soil and nature in order to achieve a zero carbon footprint before 2030.
The Wines
Champagne Wessman One
Champagne Wessman One was launched when a strong partnership was built between Maison Wessman and Champagne Maison. The Champagne house produces a Brut NV & Brut Rosé NV from all Premier Cru vineyards.
The Pinot Noir is sourced 100% from Aÿ Premier Cru village. And, the Chardonnay 100% from
Côte des Blancs Premier Cru Oiry village. The two terroirs ensure the excellent balance between the freshness and sugar, which both have a dosage of 8-9g/l.
Both wines are made for gastronomy with their intensity and traditional style.
The Wines
