Gerard Bertrand is a winemaker and former professional rugby player with a quest for wine excellence. He also has a great respect of biodiversity and biodynamic principles.
In 1975, in the vineyards of Chateau de Villemajouin, in the heart of Corbieres Bertrand harvested his first grapes; he apprenticed under his father Georges Bertrand for 12 years.
Five years after the accidental death of his father in 1987, he created the wine company Gerard Bertrand focused on developing a range of wines from the South of France. His children, the next generation, Emma and Mathias are also involved.
In the following years Bertrand took ownership of Domaine de Cigalus and the Chateau Laville Bertrou and in 2002 acquired Chateau l'Hospitalet in the La Clape nature park, between Roman Narbonne and the Mediterranean. It is here in the heart of Bertrand's empire rests a visitor center, wine resort and spa.
The estate holdings now include: Domaine de l'Aigle, Chateau la Sauvageonne, Chateau la Soujeole, Clos d'Ora , Clos du Temple, Chateau les Karantes, Chateau Aigues-Vives, Cap Insula winery, Chateau des 2 Rocs, Chateau de Tarailhan and Domaine de l'Estagnere.
This biodynamic Demeter certified IGT from the Aude Hauterive (the Cigales estate is contiguous with the appellation of Corbieres) is grown in a semi-arid Mediterranean region and is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Syrah, Grenache, Carignan, Marselan and Caladoc.
The nose is restrained; earth and dark chocolate, dried cherries and prune plums, vanilla, toasted spice and molasses aromas are defined. It has a fleshy and fresh palate; red fruit and spice dominates here. It leans toward brooding, is quite muscular and the tannins are still quite youthful.
Cellar Keepers
©copyright 2012 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores reviewed - 2023-11-15 12:45:11.0
