Gerard Bertrand Wines: Don’t Fear the French

Domaine de Villemajou

My home is in a lesser known southern wine region where we’re striving for international acceptance and recognition of our wines.  So is Gerard Bertrand.  His desire is to make the world aware of the full potential of the South of France Terroirs.  My husband is an award winning winemaker with many decorated wines to his credit.  So is Gerard Bertrand.  Among many of his honors, Bertrand has achieved Red Winemaker of the Year and European Winery of the Year.  The parallels draw me towards him.  Hence, my love affair with Gerard ensues.

I'm packing.  Ready for a trip to the Southwest Region of France

I’m not sure Gerard realizes it quite yet; but, to be certain, my husband is well aware.  In fact, my husband spent the evening enjoying Gerard by my side.  We’re still talking about wine, of course.  My Southern California winemaker husband tipped his chapeau to the quality, the depth, and the essence of the Gerard Bertrand wines, stating, “These wines are definitely built for the Southern California market with their fruit forward aromas and finish.”   Indeed.  A full-fledged endorsement from one winemaker to another.

I admit. I finished this the next day.

We started our evening with a Cremant de Limoux Blanc 2010.  Made from 70% Chardonnay, 10% Mauzac, and 20% Chenin.  This sparkling was made in The Method Champenoise and brings bright, lemony notes with elegance.  When paired with Mediterranean olive oil infused mushrooms it was divine.  Don't break the bank, you can find the Cremant de Limoux Blanc between $13-$16.

This exquisite start to our evening was followed by a Naturalys Grenache Rose made with organic grapes.  It had mild, soft strawberry tones and as it opened revealed a more earthy quality.  An unbelievable pairing with bacon smoked Gouda from Temecula’s own Baron’s Martket, would make anyone the Hostess with the Mostess.



Our neighborhood pride.  Baron's Marketplace.

 Marching on, our merry group is now greeted by the reds.  We started with a bang by sampling a complex 2009 Corbieres.  While our resident winemaker raved about its great nose with pumpkin pie spices, our wine production manager found its aroma to be full of dark fruit with a surprise lighter fruit finish of cranberry and brown sugar undertones.  Due to the layers and complexity of this wine derived from Carignan, Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvedre, it was best accompanied by simple foods finding favor with pita chips, Temecula Olive Oil Late Harvest Medley green olives, a spot of prosciutto, and a soft port salut.  At a price point of $13.95 (we were shocked too!) this was certainly the best wine value of the line-up.

 

Delicious fare from the Temecula Olive Oil Company

Next stop was the Grand Terroir Tautavel 2008. This exceptional wine was made from 50% Grenache, 35% Syrah, and 15% Carignan.  Driven by a passion for all things Mediterranean, a number of the Bertrand wines were noted for their perfect accompaniment to a range of foods from that region.  The 2008 Tautavel was no exception and easy to pair with everything from dark chocolate shortbread cookies to Cranberry Stiltson cheese to grilled red meats.  Just under $18.

 

This brings us to the Star of the Evening!  The 2010 Cigalus.  Big.  Bold.  Red.   A bounty of wines consisting of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Syrah, Granache, Carignan, and Caladoc made this beauty go bing, boing, bounce in our mouths and left the group clamoring for more.  A homerun at $40, we unanimously would purchase this intensely flavorful, highly pleasing wine.  Even the bottle was heavy and sexy.  It held its own with any food we threw its way and even turned cranberry cheese into a creamy pepper taste sensation.  Lush, opulent, velvet tannins.  This is one for the record books!

What Southern Californians Drink When We Go French!

Okay.  How do you possibly top off an evening like this with any worthy finish?  Simple.  A 1998 Domaine de La Coume Du Roy.  100% Grenache Noir.  Mapley, Bourbon, and Fun!  Comments around the table mentioned pouring it on your pancakes, having it with Strawberry Shortcake, it was compared  to honey, and simply delish with our little dark chocolate shortbread cookies.  The other wine writer and tasting room manager in our company made off like a bandit snagging this little darling post evening.

Best bet for finding Gerard Bertrand wines in your area is to check at Bev Mo.  Have you desired a fling with the French, but were afraid you’d make a mistake?  Start your love affair with Gerard and discover that not all French wines are created equal!

To learn more about Gerard Bertrand wines go to http://www.gerardbertrandwines.com/



Tasting Room Manager & Wine Writer Chris Baptiste



Some serious wine drinking, serious spitting, and serious smooching.  Who said Americans aren't romantic and don't know how to sample wine appropriately?  Classic photo that covers the range!



Bizet approves.



Joe Wiens Production Manager shows off Wine & Swag