Athénaïs de Béru
Béru, near Chablis, Yonne Burgundy France
Athénaïs de Béru makes wine at her family’s historic Château de Béru near Chablis. Alongside the estate wines, her own-name range works with grapes from trusted organic or biodynamic growers, mainly in the Yonne, to explore different varieties and sites.
At a glance
- Country
- France
- Region
- Burgundy
- Village/location
- Béru, near Chablis, Yonne
- Farming
- Organic; partner growers also practise biodynamics
- Key grapes
- Aligoté Chardonnay Pinot Noir
- Principal appellations
- Burgundy — Yonne
About Athénaïs de Béru
Athénaïs de Béru made her first estate vintage in 2005 at Château de Béru, a property held by her family for more than four centuries. Her work centres on sensitive farming and wines that express the character of their origins.
The Athénaïs range is a separate project using purchased grapes, principally from partnerships with growers in the Yonne. It includes Aligoté from Saint-Bris as well as other Burgundian varieties. These wines share her gentle cellar approach, with natural fermentation and patient maturation. The organic status of the Athénaïs wines should be distinguished from the biodynamic certification of the château’s estate vineyards.
In the vineyard
Partnerships with growers cultivating grapes organically or biodynamically, principally in the Yonne. The Aligoté comes from limestone-rich sites around Saint-Bris. Estate and purchased-grape wines are kept distinct when describing certification.
In the cellar
Gentle pressing and fermentation with indigenous yeasts. Maturation is adapted to each cuvée, using tank and/or seasoned oak. The Aligoté is bottled without fining or filtration. Sulphur use varies and should be checked for the particular wine and vintage.
Cave on Athénaïs de Béru
Fresh, expressive Burgundian wines that combine a clear sense of place with texture and character. The Aligoté is an inviting way to explore Athénaïs’ work beyond estate Chablis.
