GÉRARD BERTRAND

90+ POINT WINES

BEST WINE ESTATE TRAVEL

BIODYNAMIC VINEYARDS

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South of

France’s Leading

Man

MAY 2014

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A gifted sportsman, in his early adult years Gérard played rugby at international professional level, reaching the peak of his career in 1993 as captain of the famous and successful Stade Français team in Paris. Although his stadium days are over, Gérard retains the drive and ambition of a top-level player, and no doubt it is this desire for excellence which continues to guide the Gérard Bertrand company he founded in 1992.

Motivated by his visionary understanding of Languedoc’s potential, over the following decade he purchased selected estates the region’s very best wine-making areas: Domaine de Cigalus in Bizanet, Château Laville Bertrou in La Livinière, and in 2002, La Clape’s Domaine de l’Hospitalet, where he created a head office and an outstanding wine tourism destination that attracts 200,000 visitors from around the world annually.

Recent years have seen the acquisition of Domaine de l’Aigle (Limoux), Château Aigues Vives (Corbières-Boutenac), and Château La Sauvageonne in the highly-prized Terrasses du

Larzac area. Along with Villemajou and Domaine de la Soujeole in the Malepère area, these eight estates now comprise the heart of Gérard Bertrand’s winemaking operation, although he is quick to point out that “what we’re doing here is more than running a wine business, it’s a way of life.”

Indeed, it is the love of this laid-back, joyful Mediterranean lifestyle (shared with his wife Ingrid and two teenage children) that motivates this unofficial ambassador of the south of France wines. “We’re fortunate to live 90 minutes from Pyrenean ski resorts and only five minutes from

Chateau l’Hospitalet L’Hospitalitas

Cigalus

Ingrid, Emma, Gérard and Mathias Bertrand

A highly successful wine-maker and international businessman, Gérard

Bertrand has an athletic build and bearing. Tall, with a mane of unruly hair, a serious demeanor and piercing eyes, he cuts an imposing figure, but ask him about his southern French roots and his natural warmth shines through: “I was born and raised here in Languedoc, so the Mediterranean way of life is deep in my soul, it translates into all the wines I make,” he responds. The range of wines is as impressive as its creator, spanning varietals, blends, fortified, sparkling, organic and sulfite-free wines from across the vast and varied region of Languedoc-Roussillon.

Gérard was given his first taste of grape-harvesting aged 10 by his father Georges at the family estate of Domaine de Villemajou, in Boutenac. Here, surrounded by rocky, sun-baked scrubland dotted with wild rosemary and thyme, father and son shared their passion for wine for over fifteen years. “The unique taste of aged wines made from hundred-year old Carignan, Syrah and Grenache vines is something I will never forget,” muses Gérard.

On his father’s death, Gérard took over and continued the work of enhancing the quality and expressing the character of the 140 hectares (345 acres) and their ancient Carignan vines– a traditional Mediterranean variety that has found grace once again in the production of top Languedoc wines.

South of

France’s Leading

Man

Gérard Bertrand estates tOP wines

Gérard Bertrand

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The celebrated CEO remains humble: “Making great wine is the result of paying utmost attention to 1001 tiny details, from the vineyard to the glass,” he comments, “but every year is different, and we have to be ever-vigilant. Naturally we’re delighted with these accolades, but it’s important to remain focused on our commitment to elaborate super premium world-class wines. This year we inaugurate a brand new winery.” This architectural masterpiece is fitted with state-of-the-art equipment. The project was

entrusted to Jean-Frédéric Luscher–an architect who worked on the Dominus Estate in California– and designed in line with eco-construction principles. “Everything about this winery resembles us: it’s a perfect blend of tradition and modernity,” says Gérard Bertrand.

No doubt that with 26 years of experience under his belt, this talented, driven yet spiritual player will continue to go from strength to strength. Moreover, a new project is announced to be revealed in June.

golden, sandy beaches,” smiles Gérard, a keen chef and self-confessed BBQ ace who enjoys preparing fresh, locally-caught fish (sea bass and rock lobster are among his favorites).

wines that reveal their terrOirIf Gérard Bertrand wines are crafted to bring out the specific characteristics of each vineyard area and reflect Languedoc’s diversity, they also share a common identity: with their balance and elegance, they are an authentic expression of the south of France and speak of the outstanding quality of the sun-kissed soils which gave them birth. These wines aim to meet and exceed the expectations of wine lovers worldwide.

Chardonnay, Syrah, Merlot, Pinot… each varietal wine gives a sensitive and true experience of the soil they grow in. The Terroir and Grand Terroir appellation wines, from specific appellation areas offer complexity and the imprint of terroir, that esoteric combination of vineyard characteristics, soil, climate and environment. The estates and single vineyards wines like Le Viala, La Forge and l’Hospitalitas are an illustration of Languedoc’s excellence, and the natural fortified and sparkling wines complement this exciting range of styles that offers wines to suit every palate and occasion.

“I love wines with complexity and minerality, and the ability to age; wines with a message that really speak of their origins,” says Gérard, whose own creativity was partly inspired by several visits to Domaine de la Romanée Conti and tastings with owner Aubert de Villaine: “wine has this unique ability to help us understand culture and civilization,” he enthuses.

When he’s not in the vineyard or working on the blending of his wines, Gérard Bertrand travels the world to promote his wines. He spends eight weeks every year in the US. where his wines are

available nationwide. It was during his first visit to Napa in 1988 that he saw how wine tourism was celebrated US-style,

and on his return to France he vowed to create his own project promoting Languedoc and its wine, gastronomy, culture, music and art: twelve years later, Château l’Hospitalet is the result of that vision.

However, despite a hectic schedule and the demands of running one of the south of France’s most successful wine businesses, this former professional sportsman has never taken his eye off the ball. He remains a highly hands-on winemaker and is personally involved in the blending of each and every wine: “Every single bottle bears my name,” he confirms, explaining that the winemaking process is adapted each year, at each site, to suit the particular characteristics of the vintage. “At every stages in the production process we organize wine-tasting sessions to set the ideal moment for running the wine off from the vats and to get the blend right, with an eye on how the wine is likely to evolve,” he elaborates. “I taste the wines that are ready on a weekly basis,

and assemble them with my team. Each bottle that leaves our winery is an ambassador for the south of France, so it’s important that each is imbued with our message,” says this passionate perfectionist who demands the highest standards of excellence from his team and himself.

leadinG the way in lanGuedOcGérard Bertrand wines have received numerous awards for their excellent and consistent quality, and each year sees its harvest of medals from the major French and international wine competitions. In 2012, the group was awarded European Winery of the Year by Wine Enthusiast magazine, and Gérard Bertrand received in London the Best Red Winemaker Trophy at the International Wine Challenge.

envirOnment & BiOdynamics Gérard Bertrand has made a lasting commitment to the environment. Promoting biodiversity is key: 25 different grape varieties are grown across the Gérard Bertrand estates, along with a variety of trees such as olive and truffle oak. A sustainable development policy is in place, and sustainable, organic or biodynamic viticulture is practiced across all the Gérard Bertrand estates, with three (Domaine de Cigalus, Château La Sauvageonne and Château l’Hospitalet) biodynamic-certified or in conversion.

“Ultimately, we want to farm all our estates according to biodynamic principles,” says Gérard, whose interest in this agricultural method was kindled by a meeting with a homeopathic doctor, the subsequent reading of biodynamics founder Rudolf Steiner’s text book and a 10-year series of experiments in the vineyard resulting in wines that have “more freshness, minerality and vibrancy,” according to their creator. With Domaine de Cigalus, Gérard Bertrand took quality to the extreme, setting the 185-acre estate on the ambitious road of biodynamics (Demeter certification was granted in 2010), and he has never looked back.

“Protecting the environment, restoring balance and harmony to our ecosystems, fostering excellence in wine-growing techniques and thinking about the next generation are key issues for us,” says Gérard; as a father, he knows that the measures he puts in place today are part of his family’s future well-being.

rosés“Happily, in Languedoc we have ideal conditions for growing the Syrah, Grenache, Cinsault with which we make wonderful rosés,” comments Gérard, who is particularly proud of his crystal-clear Gris Blanc (an original blend of Grenache Gris and Noir with a shimmering, ultra pale pink hue), “At the end of a balmysummer’s day, a glass of chilledrosé is perfect as an apéritif,or with oysters and shellfish,sushi or Asian food—it’s part ofour way of life here.” Château La Sauvageonne’s mineral rosé is very disctinctive, craftedfrom Grenache, Cinsault and Syrah.

T en minutes from the ancient Roman city of Narbonne, Château

l’Hospitalet is a 82 hectares vineyard surrounded by 1000 hectares of pine woods and rocky scrubland dotted with wild herbs; from its loftier vineyards visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of the azure-blue Mediterranean sea.

Although the origins of the site go back to the 6th century, the hotel, restaurant and tasting room offer the

ultimate in modern day comfort, ensuring unforget-table memories for those fortunate enough to sojourn here. Château l’Hospitalet showcases the very best of the Mediterranean lifestyle: fresh, local, seasonal fine food paired with carefully-crafted Gérard Bertrand wines. With their views across swathes of vines and a Mediterranean garden, the generously-proportioned rooms embody charm and serenity.

Guests can take part in wine workshops and tastings in a friendly, relaxed atmo-sphere, or head off on foot or mountain bike to admire La Clape’s protected flora and fauna. In August, Château l’Hospitalet is host to world-famous musicians who perform at its Jazz Festival, attracting an audience of hundreds. “Jazz is to music what the soil is to wine: it comes from the soul,” he comments.

Gérard BertrandYour wines are from the Languedoc region’s most exciting wine-growing areas; how did this come about?

The diversity of Languedoc’s soils and climate types never ceases to amaze me, and the desire to showcase them is something I inherited from my father Georges. I remember when I was a boy, walking with him in the Corbières surrounded by old Cathares Castles and vestiges of the Roman Civilization. His affinity for this land and its heritage were passed on to me. From there, I’ve never stopped looking at my region as a reserve of treasures. Can you describe these treasure areas and what makes them so special?

Each area is peculiar! Can you imagine a region where fortified wines were invented in Roussillon and sparkling wines created by monks in Saint Hilaire Abbaye in 1531?

Limoux vineyard is one of the highest in the Languedoc: the epitome of Chardonnay and Pinot

while In Pic Saint Loup the finesse of Syrah liaises with complexity of Grenache.

In the huge limestone block of la Clape, wines are on the edge.

Picpoul de Pinet is the name of an ancient Mediterranean varietal that gives its name to the appellation and to the village.

In Château La Sauvageonne, Terrasses du Larzac, we benefit from the unlikely alliance between schist and volcanic soils.

In Les Aspres, vineyards are located between the sea and the mountains and confer a surprising Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre blend.

In Tautavel were found 450,000 year old archaeological remains of Homo erectus, so to say it is steeped in history is an understatement.

Minervois is a kingdom for Syrah that benefits from the the freshness of the mountains.

This is all the variety of Languedoc Roussillon I want to reveal in my wines.

My oenothèque is now covering 3 centuries of History. Our oldest, Legend Vintage Rivesaltes is a 1875 vintage! Treasures need to be collected and kept for next generations.

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