Gérard Bertrand red wines: Languedoc, organic and biodynamic

The main red grape varieties of the Languedoc

In the collection, the blends are based mainly on four Mediterranean grape varieties, supplemented by varieties from further north or Bordeaux in IGP wines. Each product sheet specifies the grape varieties used in the wine.

• Syrah: found in most AOP blends, for example Château l'Hospitalet Grand Vin red wine (Syrah, Grenache Noir and Mourvèdre). At L'Hospitalitas, the product sheet describes notes of pepper and dark berries. It also features as the sole grape in Naturae Syrah (IGP Pays d'Oc, certified organic).
• Grenache Noir: it is the sole grape in A tribute to winegrowers (AOP Côtes du Roussillon Villages Tautavel), a wine from low-yielding old vines, aged for 12 months in barrels. The product sheet for Château La Sauvageonne Grand Vin describes it as ‘the region’s emblematic grape variety’.
• Carignan: it is at the heart of La Forge (century-old vines, including old Syrah, AOP Corbières-Boutenac). It is often made using carbonic maceration, as in Domaine de Villemajou or Héritage Year 990 (AOP Fitou, Grenache Noir and Carignan).
• Mourvèdre: it is blended with Syrah in L'Hospitalitas and is one of the four grape varieties blended in Clos d'Ora (Syrah, Grenache Noir, Mourvèdre and Carignan).
• Pinot Noir: it comes into its own at Domaine de l'Aigle (IGP Haute Vallée de l'Aude, certified organic and Demeter), with raspberry and redcurrant aromas, fine tannins and a recommended serving temperature of 12 to 14 °C.
• Merlot and Bordeaux grape varieties: the Naturae Merlot (IGP Pays d'Oc) evokes ripe red fruit, truffle and cinnamon. Château La Soujeole Grand Vin (AOP Malepère) blends Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Malbec.

To find out more: The emblematic grape varieties of Languedoc wine.

Organic and biodynamic red wines: read about the certification

Gérard Bertrand embraced biodynamic viticulture in 2002 at Domaine de Cigalus. Today, certifications vary from one wine to another. They are listed on each product sheet under ‘Certifications’.

• Certified organic and Demeter (biodynamic): Château l'Hospitalet Grand Vin red wine, L'Hospitalitas, Château des Karantes, La Forge, Domaine de Villemajou, Clos d'Ora, Château La Sauvageonne Grand Vin, Domaine de l'Aigle Pinot Noir.
• Certified organic: the range Naturae (several of which are also vegan and made without added sulphites), The Favourite, Rouge Clair.

The full selection: Our organic and biodynamic wines · understand the approach: Biodynamic red wines · the labels: Organic certification, biodynamics and vegan wines.

Terroirs: La Clape, Pic Saint-Loup, Corbières-Boutenac, La Livinière

• La Clape: Château l'Hospitalet Grand Vin red wine is harvested by hand, with each grape variety vinified separately, then aged for 12 to 16 months in new French oak barrels. The product sheet for Château des Karantes describes a slightly saline finish, ‘characteristic of La Clape wines’. See also Héritage Year 1650 (Syrah, Carignan and Mourvèdre). Discover the full collection La Clape.
• Pic Saint-Loup: Héritage Year 1189 (Syrah, Mourvèdre and Grenache Noir). A third of the wine is aged for 9 months in barrels, and the palate shows notes of garrigue and ripe fruit.
• Corbières-Boutenac: La Forge and Domaine de Villemajou, in which Carignan plays a central role. Discover the full collection Corbières-Boutenac.
• La Livinière: Clos d'Ora ; its product sheet indicates an ageing potential of 15 to 30 years.
• Terrasses du Larzac: Château La Sauvageonne Grand Vin.

Complete overview: Languedoc red wine appellations.

Serving and food pairings for red wines

• Structured reds for ageing: La Forge, to be decanted and served at 18 °C with rack of lamb or grilled meat; Clos d'Ora, to be decanted for an hour and served at 17 °C with Aubrac beef.
• La Clape reds: Château l'Hospitalet Grand Vin red wine, at 16 °C, with rack of lamb, game birds or mature cheeses.
• Pinot Noir: Domaine de l'Aigle, at 12 to 14 °C, with roast poultry or grilled fish or fish in sauce.
• Light reds: The Favourite, to be served well chilled with tapas or Italian food. The full selection: Light Reds.

To understand and choose a red wine: our guide to red wine.