Francois berleand biography

[ PORTRAIT ]

France // Actor

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"Wine is a part of my life."

In , François Berléand will be celebrating a career spanning 50 years. Originally a stage actor, he then turned to cinema and television, starring in over films and becoming a past master in ‘grumpy’ characters. In real life, though, he is anything but, as evidenced by his passion for wine, the kind you share with friends and family. We meet an authentic wine enthusiast who recounts the Merlot of his childhood to the Syrah produced with Hervé Bizeul, and his first feelings to his latest favourite pick.

When was your first encounter with wine?

I was years old. It was with my grandfather. In the garden of his house in Yvetot, he would get me to smell the leaves and the fruit and, on each special occasion – Christmas, Easter or a birthday – he would put a glass under my nose and ask me what it reminded me of. I can still hear myself saying, “strawberry”, “redcurrant”, “raspberry”, and he would encourage me. Another time, with an Alsace white wine, a late harvest, I said “liquorice”, and he thought that was great. From the age of 13, I was allowed to taste the wine. He educated my palate.

Until I was 18, I only liked Merlot.

What did your family drink?

One

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