Clot de l'Oum: Biodynamic Wines from Bélesta, Roussillon by Eddy & Arthur Bertrand

Eddy and Arthur Bertrand, a family with deep agricultural roots, returned to their childhood love for farming to establish Clot de l'Oum, their biodynamic vineyard in Bélesta, Roussillon. Their complementary skills in winemaking and agricultural engineering, honed across France and New Zealand, have shaped their vineyard’s success.

Rainbow arching over Clot de l'Oum vineyard with olive trees in Roussillon, showcasing natural beauty.

Ancient granite rock found in Clot de l'Oum's vineyard, showcasing the rare soil of Roussillon.

Taking over from Eric and Leia Monné, the Bertands inherited land rich in history and geological wonder. The estate sits at an altitude of over 600m and boasts ancient soils dating back 460 million years to the Ordovician period. These rare soils, consisting primarily of granite with pockets of gneiss, schist, and sandstone, offer exceptional terroir for winemaking.

Close-up of granite rock found in Clot de l'Oum's vineyard, showcasing the rare soil of Roussillon

Clot de l'Oum practices organic farming with minimal interference, having been certified organic since 2000. The vineyard’s commitment to nature is reflected in their approach to soil health, which is enriched through careful vineyard management and the mineral influence of the land.

Snow-capped peaks of the Canigou mountain seen from the Clot de l'Oum vineyard in Roussillon.

The family’s dedication to their craft is evident in their wines. The minimal-intervention approach involves hand-harvesting, the use of native yeasts, and aging in fiberglass or old barrels. The result is wines that express the purity of their terroir with exceptional freshness, fruit character, and minerality, free from the typical inverse relationship between alcohol and acidity.

Golden sunset over the Roussillon vineyard at Clot de l'Oum, highlighting the land's unique terroir.

They focus on indigenous grape varieties such as Carignan, Grenache, and Syrah, while also working with lesser-known, high-altitude varieties like Llendoner Pelut.

Clusters of ripe Carignan grapes on the vine at Clot de l'Oum vineyard, Roussillon, ready for harvest.

With every bottle, Clot de l’Oum continues its legacy, blending history and modernity to produce wines that truly encapsulate the unique characteristics of Roussillon’s diverse landscapes.

$Winemaker inspecting fermentation progress at Clot de l'Oum's biodynamic winery in Bélesta, Roussillon using a refractometer$

Under the watchful eye of The Canigou, the ‘torch’ of signature flavours continues – oodles of fruit, freshness, and minerality. Clot de l'Oum producing wines with such intense savouriness as either blended cuvées or specific parcel cuvées.

Wine tasting at Clot de l'Oum’s biodynamic vineyard in Bélesta, Roussillon with winemaker Eddy and Arthur Bertrand

They exemplify the history and modernity of the Roussillon wine revolution. See their wines here:

Panettone White Wine

Clot de l’Oum St Barts Red Wine

Clot de l’Oum Dolce Gavatx White Wine