Gérard Bertrand

Pale straw yellow, silver reflections. Delicately floral, Viognier-influenced bouquet of mandarin zest, yellow tropical fruit, subtle herbal savouriness. Juicy, taut, elegant, fine sweetness at the core, pleasant acidity, mineral and balanced, a versatile companion at the table, already well developed.

Gerard Bertrand is the guru of biodynamics as exemplified by his high-density, biodynamic vineyard planted to chardonnay, viognier and sauvignon blanc in the hills of the Hautrive, an important geographical sub-category of the IGP Aude designation. The Hautrive region lies east of Carcassonne and just west of Narbonne. It is roughly contiguous with the famed central Corbières appellation. Yields are kept under an impressive 25hl/ha, and the result is a Burgundy, Rhone, Bordeaux blend that frankly amuses Bertrand as he fights to establish Languedoc wine among the weighty, covered in thick mud, time-honoured bottles of famous French wine grown much further north. The fermentation is a 70/30 new oak /stainless steel affair followed by 7-8 months of barrel ageing until the spring equinox. Tasted several times, this wine is in full bloom ripe grapefruit, white flowers, peaches, and toast on a complex palate. The texture is luxurious with silky, exotic citrus fruit flavours—a perfect partner to a chicken penne pasta meal.