Bruno François, Clos des Américains: from biotechnology to wine

Grandson of a winemaker, Bruno François grew up with wine. Later, this passion would never leave him. In 1982, while pursuing a degree in biotechnology engineering, he enrolled in oenology courses at the Montpellier Pharmacy Faculty. After 12 years working as a marketing director at the Swedish biotechnology company Novaseptic, Bruno felt a strong desire to fully commit to the wine industry. He took the plunge in 2008 and acquired a vineyard set in a dilapidated 18th-century building.

What did the estate look like when Bruno François took it over?

An 18th-century building

Everything needed to be done… We rebuilt the roofs and renovated the living spaces as there was neither water nor electricity. Only the cellar was still functional,

recalls Bruno.

Where is the vineyard located and what does it grow?

A vineyard between sea and mountains with ideal climatic conditions

Located halfway between Nîmes and Montpellier, the Clos des Américains estate covers 20 hectares of vines. The vineyard offers a diverse range of grape varieties: Carignan, Cinsault, Grenache, Marsanne, Mourvèdre, Roussanne, Syrah, Tempranillo, Vermentino, and Viognier.

The climatic conditions are ideal: an exceptional terroir, rolled pebble soil, the Mistral wind, generous sunlight, and constant humidity thanks to the Camargue ponds,

explains Bruno.

What kind of wines does Clos des Américains produce?

Wines of character with great freshness

Nearly all of the 1000 hectoliters produced annually at Clos des Américains are classified under the AOC Costières de Nîmes. Only one cuvée made from the Spanish Tempranillo grape is classified under the IGP du Gard.

We strive to create wines of character with great freshness, consistent from one vintage to the next. Except for the cuvée Songes de Bacchus, which is enjoyed young, all our other wines are meant for aging. We let them age for at least two or three years before marketing them,

highlights Bruno.

What are the next projects for the estate?

Conversion to organic viticulture

In preparation for the 2016 harvest, which will not start until mid-September at Clos des Américains, Bruno plans to modernize his cellar. He is particularly looking forward to the arrival of thirteen brand-new stainless steel tanks. But the major project for the estate is its conversion to organic viticulture, which has just begun.

In three years, all our wines will be certified organic,

Bruno proudly declares.

Frequently asked questions about Clos des Américains

Where is the Clos des Américains estate located?

The estate sits in the Gard, between Nîmes and Montpellier, within the Costières de Nîmes appellation. Its vines benefit from pebbly soils, the mistral and damp air off the Camargue lagoons.

Who is Bruno François, the winemaker behind Clos des Américains?

The grandson of a grower, he trained as an engineer, studied oenology near Montpellier and spent twelve years in the biotechnology sector. In 2008 he took over and rebuilt a derelict 18th-century property to devote himself to wine.

Which grape varieties grow at Clos des Américains?

Around ten Mediterranean varieties are planted: Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, Carignan and Cinsault for the reds, Marsanne, Roussanne, Vermentino and Viognier for the whites. The Spanish Tempranillo yields one cuvée classified as IGP du Gard.

What style of wines does the estate make?

The house aims for expressive, fresh cuvées that keep a steady profile year after year. Most are ageing wines held two to three years before release, apart from the Songes de Bacchus cuvée, made to be drunk young.

Is Clos des Américains going organic?

The estate has begun converting to organic viticulture. Bruno François expects every cuvée to be certified once the standard three-year conversion period is complete.