5 questions to... Bert Vandeurzen of Wine Castle Vandeurzen

In 2020, the Grüner Veltliner and the Chardonnay 'Wijnkasteel Vandeurzen' received medals at the Best Belgian Wine competition. Wine Castle Vandeurzen's Tempranillo 2018 even won gold at the Wine Competition of the Low Countries (in addition to 2 silver and 2 bronze medals), in which Dutch winemakers also participate. So watch out for our southern neighbours! At the beautiful white castle in Flemish Brabant, they tell WINELIFE about their ambitions. -TEXT MARJOLEIN SCHUMAN

5 questions to... Bert Vandeurzen

1. TEMPRANILLO? WITH THAT, YOU HAVE PLANTED QUITE AN ATYPICAL GRAPEVINE.

'In the choice of grape varieties, we have gone a bit more unique than other Belgian winemakers who typically choose French or German varieties. We have resolutely chosen to plant what we like to drink ourselves and end up with Spain (tempranillo, albarino) and Austria (grüner veltliner, lemberger), supplemented by two more typically French grapes (chardonnay and pinot noir). The quality of the young vineyard and the unique offerings make us inspiring and surprising for wine lovers.'

2. WHAT DOES A SPANISH GRAPE FROM BELGIAN LAND TASTE LIKE?

'The Tempranillo has an attractive, interesting nose with mainly lots of dark fruits like blackberries and plums, lots of spiciness (oregano, dried basil, bay leaf), liquorice, lots of chocolate with hints of burnt/roasted almond. The aromas are intense, the wine has a lot of body and is powerful after 18 months of barrel aging. The tannins are beautifully soft and smooth.'

3. WHAT ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF?

'We are a relatively young producer in Belgium (since 2014), but always try to work towards quality and niche. We set these ambition goals as core in all our professional investments - by nature, we are investors in technology companies. For us, quality prevails in all facets and steps, this was recognised and awarded from the first vintage with 2 gold medals (Albarino 2017 and Grüner Veltliner 2017). We are proud to be becoming a reference on the terroir of the Low Countries in a relatively short period of time!'

Vinites is the importer of Vandeurzen's wines in the Netherlands.

Curious about the other questions and answers? You can read it in the latest Winelife edition 70. Order this one here!

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