Veronique, your home is very old. How long have you been owner?

«My family has owned this house for several generations. The story started with my great-grandfather, Joseph Rosset, who bought the house in 1870. A few years later he planted the vineyard and it was my grandfather, Louis-Emilien, who developed the estate. My mother Geneviève Ducoin, living in Paris at the time, took over the estate in 1964 and one year later she decided to work with the Cave d’Espiet so that she could manage the vineyard at distance. Château La Rose Bourdieu was a pleasant holiday home for the family. With my
brother François Ducoin we took over the running of the estate in 1990. A pharmacist by training, and descended from several generations of winegrowers, it was natural for me to work my family’s land.»

And you decided to live here …

«Yes, I know this house very well because I visited regularly when I was young. Today I look after it and its cellar and buildings which date from the 16th century. This requires a lot of effort and investment, but I am very committed to it.»

What are the special features of your vineyard?

«The parcels, in a single plot, are on a plateau overlooking the town of Branne. Apparently, a Gallo-Roman villa was built nearby. 3 grape varieties are grown: Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. The other special feature is that we have been committed to organic viticulture since 2010. My experience with biodynamics have allowed me to learn certain lessons about the influence of the moon. Just as an example, when the moon is in perigee (when it is closest to the Earth), we know that the risk of mould is higher and we take action as a result. I also pay attention to the rainfall.»

Why this change in the cultivation of your land?

«Personally, I don’t like chemical products. I wanted to have my vineyard certified as “organic” so that I could work according to my convictions. A vineyard reflects the people who cultivate it.»