At the recent Vancouver International Wine Festival, I attended a seminar with Gérard Bertrand moderated by Vancouver’s Anthony Gismondi. A leading figure in Languedoc, Bertrand has made his family estate a top organic and biodynamic property, championing the unique terroir of Languedoc-Roussillon.
Born in 1965 in Narbonne, Bertrand retired from professional rugby to take over his family’s estate, Domaine de Villemajou, after his father’s death in 1987. Since 2002, beginning with Domaine de Cigalus, Bertrand has pioneered biodynamic viticulture.
He embraces a philosophy that emphasizes harmony between land, climate, and human craftsmanship. While organic viticulture means winegrowing without synthetic chemicals, biodynamic wine and its “Demeter” certification (a specific international biodynamic standard) are less understood. Biodynamic viticulture treats the vineyard as a self-sustaining ecosystem. It goes beyond organic farming by using specific herbal or mineral preparations, such as fermented manure in cow horns, called “preparations”. Work in the vineyard is also timed with a lunar-based calendar to foster soil vitality. Proponents believe this approach produces wines with more vitality and quality while offering a truer reflection of origin.
Today, Bertrand oversees a collection of estates across the South of France. He produces a diverse portfolio of wines that reflect both place and purpose. From the elegant and widely recognized Côte des Roses Rosé to his highly regarded Clos d’Ora, his wines embody his guiding principles: excellence, innovation, naturalness, and conviviality.
At the heart of Bertrand’s work is his “art de vivre” philosophy. “When you love wine, you have a passion for music, art, and love, creating an open mind.”
We tasted 8 of his wines with my notes in italics. All wines are Demeter Certified Biodynamic and Organic.
2023 Domaine de l’Aigle Chardonnay
100% Chardonnay
Pale yellow with lifted aromas of lemon rind and ripe peach, layered with subtle spice. Bright acidity brings freshness and energy to the palate, complemented by a distinct mineral edge and a faint saline note. A touch of spice carries through, while a gently rounded, creamy texture adds balance and softness to the finish.
(93 points Decanter World Wine Awards)
2022 Cigales Blanc
Blend : Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier
Medium yellow, with stone fruit, acacia flower, and a hint of honey on the nose. Plush and balanced by medium acidity, the pleasing texture is lifted by grapefruit and mineral notes, finishing fresh and medium-plus.
2022 Villa Soleilla
Blend: Roussanne, Vermentino, Viognier
Orange-gold, with a nose blending honey and herbaceous garrigue. The palate offers thyme, honey, and ripe tropical fruit, with a lightly oxidative edge adding complexity and freshness.
(93 points Decanter World Wine Awards, 92 Points James Suckling, 92 Points Wine Spectator)
2023 Domaine de L’Aigle Pinot Noir
100% Pinot Noir
Medium ruby, with cherry and red currant aromas and light toasted notes. The palate shows fresh acidity and fine-grained tannins, with cherry, clove, rhubarb, and currant flavours. Balanced, fresh, and lively, with a food-friendly finish.
(94 points Decanter World Wine Awards)
2022 Château la Sauvageonne
Blend: Syrah, Grenache Noir, Mourvèdre
Medium ruby, with garrigue and a jammy red fruit nose. The palate has a peppery edge, red berries, warm spice, bright acidity, and moderate tannins, all well balanced.
2023 La Forge
Blend : Grenache Noir, Syrah, Carignan
Dark ruby, with ripe blackberry, spice, and a smoky edge. The palate is very spicy and plush, with ripe fruit and grilled meat adding savory, mineral complexity. Full-bodied, powerful, and structured, the finish lingers with dark fruit, spice, and flint.
2022 Cigalus Rouge
Blend : Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Syrah, Grenache, Caladoc, Carignan
Deep ruby, with plush, ripe blackberry, dark cherry, and plum, layered with spice and toast. Rich and expansive, with a velvety texture.
(95 Points Decanter World Wine Awards)
2020 Clos D’Ora
Blend: Syrah, Grenache, Mourvèdre, Carignan
Inky ruby, with ripe black fruit and subtle spice on the nose. The palate is rich and intense, with concentrated dark fruit. Silky tannins bring structure and elegance, though the alcohol is noticeable. Long, lingering finish. A full-bodied wine with depth and aging potential.
(95 Points James Suckling, 95 Points Wine Enthusiast)