Côtes d'Auvergne
Grower Profiles
Michelin
factory and test circuit, viewed from below the Berger cellar
Berger Père et Fils
The quiet and reserved Jean-Pierre Berger took over
from his parents, Jean-Paul and Denise in 1989, although his mother still
mans the tasting room receiving guests. They work just over six hectares
of vineyards, of which 60% are rented, primarily from retired or part-time
vignerons, mostly ex-Michelin
workers, whose factory testing circuit they overlook. The vines are mostly
high density (10,000 ceps per
hectare) plantings of Gamay, with a few rows of Pinot Noir, although
everything is machine harvested. Berger produces light and relatively
simple Châteaugay red and rosé, both fermented in fibre-glass tanks, but
are perfectly workable, if a little anonymous.
Jean-Pierre
Berger
21 Rue de la Crouzette
Châteaugay
T: + 33 4 73 87 60 92