about the producer:
The story of André Bertandeau is one with a dark side, but also a story of perseverance, cooperation and positivity. André was deported to the Buchenwald concentration camp in 1942 at the age of 20. He was “accidentally” on the wrong train from La Rochelle. Although he was actually supposed to work on a farm in Germany, he was instead transported through several camps, including Buchenwald and Dora. In Buchenwald he had to work with other prisoners in deplorable conditions in an underground quarry, then in Dora where he did not see the light of day for 7 months and they built rockets (V1 & V2) for the Nazis. He had to do hard physical labor with hardly any food, endured severe torture and survived in unsanitary conditions, surrounded by disease and the death of many fellow prisoners. After two years of captivity, he was liberated by the Russians in 1945.
He enjoyed great respect in the region. Not only as a winemaker in Salignac-Sur-Charente, but he remained committed to the community in support of families who lost loved ones during the war. Despite the physical scars of his time in the camps, Bertandeau told his story to young people to keep the memory alive. Throughout his life, he donated the meager profits from his small estate to charities (Médecins du Monde (Doctors of the World) and Action contre la Faim). André died in December 2016, leaving all his assets - real estate, vineyards and supplies - to these NGOs to help people who suffered from war and deportation. His donations were always discreet.
In May 2023, we (re)discovered this cask in the beautiful cellars of Grosperrin. First selected for its superior qualities as a single cask - cask strength eau-de-vie, and with learning the history and story behind this legacy of casks, tremendously touched and moved. Supporting small family producers, under any form and honoring history are values that Malternative and Grosperrin share. Thank you Guilhem!
We ourselves also want to use André's legacy to do our part to support the efforts of some non-profit organizations. Organizations that work for those who are confronted with war, poverty, bad luck, injustice or physical suffering. From the realized turnover of this release we will therefore donate a considerable amount to charity.
Tasting Notes:
Nose: Beautifully polished wood, blood oranges, green tea, jasmine leaves, oven-baked bread with fresh plum jam.
Taste: On the palate the fruit really sets in, nectarines, ripe mango and dried pineapple. Firm body.
Finish: Long finish with candied fruit repeating itself over and over. Also leather and floor wax. But also lots of spices. Nicely woven all together.
Explanation label:
La bonne cause. The good cause. We see Private Bertandeau returning home. Home among the vineyards, home where you are committed to your family and community, in solidarity and peace. We too will do our part for some good causes.
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