Domaine Albert de Conti

The fascinating story of a visionary family

From Italy to Bergerac, a Family Epic

The story of Domaine Albert de Conti began in 1925 when Vincenzo and Clorinda de Conti left their native Italy to settle in southwest France with their five children. Their family continued to grow, and it was the youngest child, Albert de Conti, who laid the foundations for the estate's winemaking. In 1963, Albert and his wife Odette settled in the village of Saint-Julien d'Eymet, where they planted their first hectares of vines, while also cultivating grain and raising livestock. Their hard work allowed the family to prosper gradually, and their children, Annie and Francis, joined the family business.

Francis, Albert's son, took over the reins of the estate and developed its activities by integrating the local cooperative until 1990, when he joined his cousin Luc at Château Tour des Gendres. This collaboration marked a turning point in the family history. It was at this time that the new generation entered the picture, notably Guillaume, Francis's son, who joined the Château in 2011. His brother Paul followed in 2013, and Yann Lecoindre, the cellar master, joined them in 2017. Together, these three men formed a trio who, after five years of working together, decided to embark on a new adventure under the name Domaine Albert de Conti.

This is how the estate, named after its founding grandfather, came into being, cultivating vines planted as early as 1966 by Albert himself. Today, Guillaume, Paul, and Yann manage the 30 hectares of vineyards using organic farming methods, respecting sustainable principles and exploring innovative techniques such as agroforestry. The estate's production is distinguished by flagship wines such as the "Cuvée des Conti" and the "Conti-ne Périgourdine," which embody the tradition of the Bergerac appellation, as well as more daring wines like "La Vigne d'Albert" and a naturally sparkling wine without added sulfites, a true reflection of the estate's original and avant-garde character. Always in search of new flavors, the estate continues to innovate, notably with the introduction of grape varieties new to the region, thus affirming its ambition to produce wines that are both faithful to tradition and open to experimentation.

The Magic of the Albert de Conti Vineyard

The Art of Cultivating Audacity

The Domaine Albert de Conti vineyard covers 30 hectares, primarily planted with Bergerac grapes. Situated on clay-limestone soils, typical of the region, the vineyard benefits from a temperate climate ideal for cultivating local grape varieties. The mineral-rich soils allow the vines to develop deep roots, resulting in high-quality grapes with a beautiful aromatic concentration. The Bergerac appellation, located near Bordeaux, is renowned for its red, white, and rosé wines. Domaine Albert de Conti mainly produces red wines made from Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc, but also white wines from Sémillon, Sauvignon Blanc, and Muscadelle. These grape varieties, carefully selected for their suitability to the terroir, are cultivated with the utmost respect for the environment. For several years, the estate has adopted organic and biodynamic practices. This shift towards more sustainable viticulture reflects a commitment to preserving the vineyard's natural balance while producing authentic wines that fully express the terroir's unique character. No pesticides or herbicides are used, and the soils are cultivated in a way that promotes biodiversity.

A Winemaking Process That Reveals the Soul of the Estate

The Art of Enhancing Each Vintage

Winemaking at Domaine Albert de Conti relies on meticulous expertise, combining local traditions with modern techniques. Particular attention is paid to each stage of the process, from harvesting to aging in the cellar. Once harvested at full maturity, the grapes are carefully sorted before being vinified in stainless steel or concrete tanks. This method preserves all the freshness and purity of the wines' fruity aromas. The estate's red wines are crafted using a long maceration, allowing for optimal extraction of tannins and aromas. The white wines, on the other hand, benefit from low-temperature fermentation, encouraging the development of floral and fruity notes. After vinification, the wines are aged in oak barrels for a period ranging from 12 to 18 months, depending on the vintage. This aging process adds structure and complexity to the wines, while also giving them excellent aging potential. The wines of Domaine Albert de Conti are characterized by their elegance and finesse. The reds reveal intense aromas of black fruit, leather, and spice, accompanied by silky tannins and a beautiful length on the palate. The white wines, fresh and lively, offer notes of white flowers, exotic fruit, and a refreshing minerality. Whether red or white, each cuvée reflects the identity of the terroir and the winemakers' expertise. The estate's commitment to quality and respect for nature is evident in every bottle, making Domaine Albert de Conti an essential reference point for the Bergerac appellation. Buying an Albert de Conti wine is to treat yourself to a unique experience, discovering an exceptional terroir and sustainable viticulture.