A Commitment To Languedoc – The Biodynamic Wines Of Gérard Bertrand

The French Winophiles Focus On Languedoc-Roussillon To Explore The Wines Of Gérard Bertrand

The sun drenched vineyards of Languedoc-Roussillon in the south of France produce some of France’s most interesting and value oriented wines.  Languedoc is one of France’s largest wine-producing region, and in the past was known to produce mostly table wine.  Due to dedicated and passionate winemakers like Gérard Bertrand at the forefront, many poor quality vines have been replanted and a focus on quality is setting the standard for the region.  Today Languedoc is producing incredible wines. This month the French Winophiles are focusing on Gérard Bertrand’s beautiful white wine Cigalus 2018.

Gérard Bertrand

Gérard has a colorful past, he was a talented Rugby player and played professional for many years.  His love for wine goes back even further.  Gérard grew up amongst the vines.  His knowledge and passion for the region has made him one of the most important producer of the Languedoc region. Gérard Bertrand has put Languedoc back on the wine map, producing wines of the highest quality and a commitment to share his knowledge of the terroir of the region.

Gérard owns numerous estates amongst the most prestigious crus of Languedoc. He was brought up Languedoc and did his first harvest with his father when he was 10 years old. No one knows the land and terroir better than him, Gérard is committed to sharing his knowledge of the exceptional diversity of the region and its unique terroir.

In 2012 Gérard was name as the IWC Red Winemaker of the Year and Wine Enthusiast’s European Winery of the Year.  Many in region know him as the “King” of Languedoc.

Working closing amongst the vines for over twenty years, his signature wines have a unique style that are driven by four fundamental values: excellence, authenticity,  conviviality, and innovation.

Commitment to Biodynamics

From a very early stage Gérard Bertrand recognized the harmony in making wine and nature.  The best of the terroir is exposed when care is given to land and the natural biodiversity of the region.  Gérard Bertrand first adopted biodynamic practices at the Cigalus estate in 2002, recognizing that this wine growing method creates balance between the vine and its environment.

A focus on biodynamics is at the forefront of many conversations with winemakers, but Gérard Bertrand not only uses biodynamic methods for his vineyards, but has taken upon himself to pass the knowledge and gospel onto other winemakers of the region.

The vineyards are managed with a focus on the biodynamic process.  The energy of the soil is the key driving factor. The farming is geared around a calendar based on two celestial objects: the moon and the sun. The philosophy being that the vines are in equilibrium with the soils and are able to give the full expression of the terroir when making the wines. Great care and attention is lavished on the vineyard in order to achieve a healthy harvest that allows for the best expression of the grape, leading to minimal intervention in the cellars.

Cigalus Blanc 2018

What makes Cigalus so special, is that it is not only an exceptional wine, it is also the home of Gérard Bertrand.  Domaine Cigalus is farmed entirely utilizing biodynamic farming.  The vineyards enjoy a hot, sunny Mediterranean climate ensuring early ripening of all the three grape varieties. The Cigalus Blanc is a blend of 70% Chardonnay, 20% Viognier, and 10% Sauvignon Blanc.

The wine is exceptional and is one of the best white wines from the Languedoc.  It exhibits a beautiful golden-yellow hue, with notes of exotic fruits, florals and spice on the nose.  The palate burst with white peach, honey and toasty notes. It has a beautiful richness, creamy texture and a memorably long lingering finish that leaves you wanting more.

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Explore more articles on Gérard Bertrand and Cigalus Blanc with articles from my fellow French Winophiles.  This month the French Winophiles are hosted by LM Archer.  Join our chat on Saturday, May 18th 2019 at 11am Eastern Standard Time as we discover and taste the Cigalus Blanc.  Follow along and join the conversations on twitter with the hashtag #Winophiles

• Michelle Williams – Rockin Red Blog: “Celebrating Biodynamic Viticulture And The Beauty Of The Languedoc With Gérard Bertrand #Winophiles”
• Lynn Gowdy – Savor the Harvest: “This Biodynamic Wine Is a Summer Pleaser + Saturday Culinary Concoction.“
• Wendy Klik- A Day in the Life on a Farm : ” New Wine Paired with an Old Favorite.”
• Camilla Mann – Culinary Adventures with Camilla: “Lemon-Caper Halibut + Gérard Bertrand 2018 Cigalus Blanc”
• Linda Whipple, My Full Wine Glass : “Languedoc Wine Meets Lebanese Cuisine”
• David Crowley – Cooking Chat: “Savoring a Special White Wine from Souther France”
• Phinny Tam – Chinese Food and Wine Pairings: “Exploring Languedoc-Roussillon with Chateau Millegrand Minervois Mourral Grand Reserve + Chinese Charcuterie Board#Winophiles”
• Robin Rankin Bell – Crushed Grape Chronicles, “Exploring the Grand Terroir of Gérard Bertrand with Tautavel and La Clape“
• Jeff Burrows – Food, Wine, Click: “Butter Roasted Fish with Gérard Bertrand’s Cigalus Blanc”
• Jane Niemeyer – Always Ravenous: Chicken Korma with Gérard Bertrand Cigalus Blanc”
• Cindy Lowe Rynning – Grape Experiences: “The Wines of Gerard Bertrand: Expect Joie de Vivre with Every Sip”
• Susannah Gold – Avvinare: “A Wine from Gerard Bertrand: A Larger than Life Figure”
• Deanna Kang – Asian Test Kitchen: “Gerard Bertrand Rose Paired with Subtly Spiced Shrimp”
• Cynthia Howson & Pierre Ly – Traveling Wine Profs: “Comfort Food and Sunny Red: Gérard Bertrand Côtes des Roses with Senegalese Mafé and Fonio”
• Jill Barth – L’Occasion: “A Name To Know: Gérard Bertrand”
• Gwendolyn Lawrence Alley – Wine Predator:”Bertrand’s Biodynamic Cigalus Paired with French Sausage”
• Liz Barrett – What’s in that Bottle: “Get to Know the Winning Wines from Languedoc Icon Gérard Bertrand”
• Nicole Ruiz Hudson – SommsTable: “Cooking to the Wine: Gérard Bertrand Grand Terroir Tautavel Grenache-Syrah-Carignan with Saucy Lamb Loin Chops”
• Rupal Shankar – Syrah Queen: “A Commitment To Languedoc – The Biodynamic Wines Of Gérard Bertrand”
• Payal Vora-Keep the Peas: “Aude: Alive in More Ways Than Wine”
• L.M. Archer: “The Hedonistic Taster: Gérard Bertrand 2018 Cigalus Blanc”

**THE WINE IS A MEDIA SAMPLE.  ALL OPINIONS ARE MY OWN.**