Les Bertrand Saint-Amour 'Les Bambins', Beaujolais, France

Waves of wild cherry, windswept herbs, and rose petals set the tone for this soulful, small-production Gamay from one of Beaujolais’ most evocative crus. The 2021 Les Bertrand Saint-Amour 'Les Bambins', Beaujolais, France channels the raw energy of a cooler vintage, brought to life by Yann Bertrand’s intuitive, low-intervention approach and the high-altitude, schist-laced slopes of Saint-Amour.

Product Details:

• Wine: Saint-Amour 'Les Bambins'
• Producer: Les Bertrand
• Owner: Guy & Annick Bertrand
• Winemaker: Yann Bertrand
• Region: Beaujolais, France
• Appellation: AOC Saint-Amour
• Vintage: 2021
• Grape Variety: 100% Gamay Noir
• Vine Age: 55–65 years
• Alcohol Content: Not specified
• Farming Practices: Organic (in conversion), Biodynamic principles
• Vinification: 17-day cold carbonic maceration with native yeasts; no pump-overs or added sulfites; aged 8 months in used 225L barrels
• Production Method: Bottled unfiltered and unfined, in accordance with the lunar cycle
• Parcel: 1.1 hectares on the Côte de Besset in Saint-Amour

Sensory Description:

This vintage opens with lifted aromas of wild raspberries, red cherry, and crushed rose petals, carried by subtle spice and a whisper of schistous minerality. The palate is delicately textured with juicy red fruit, polished acidity, and a lively, almost ethereal energy. Light to medium in body, it is refreshingly pure with a vibrant, mineral-driven finish. The expression of Gamay here is both playful and precise, capturing the vitality of the vintage and the charm of Saint-Amour’s terroir.

Winemaker's Background:

Les Bertrand is a family-run estate rooted in Fleurie, where Guy and Annick Bertrand laid the foundation for organic farming decades ago. Their son, Yann Bertrand, has brought a fresh and passionate perspective to the domaine, drawing inspiration from luminaries like Jean Foillard, Yvon Métras, and Jacques Neauport. Since taking the reins, Yann has steered the estate toward full biodynamic farming and minimal intervention winemaking. In 2016, he launched a line of négociant wines under the same rigorous standards, ensuring integrity from vineyard to bottle. His wines are now among the most respected in the Beaujolais natural wine scene.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve slightly chilled at 12–14°C (54–57°F) in a Burgundy-style glass to showcase its delicate aromatics and fine structure. This versatile Gamay pairs beautifully with charcuterie boards, grilled sausages, roast chicken, or plant-based dishes like lentil salad or mushroom risotto. For a bolder pairing, try it alongside duck breast with cherry compote or veggie tacos with chipotle crema. Its brightness and soft tannins make it ideal for casual gatherings and celebratory meals alike.

The 2021 Les Bertrand Saint-Amour 'Les Bambins', Beaujolais, France is a joyful expression of site, soul, and craftsmanship, a testament to the artistry of Yann Bertrand and the enduring charm of Beaujolais' Saint-Amour.