GÉRARD BERTRAND
SOUTH OF FRANCE 2022
Why Buy: The most important thing to know about this terrific trio (including a 96-pointer and a 95-pointer) is this: Gérard Bertrand — "The Wine King of the South of France," in the words of The Robb Report, and a maverick who owns 17 châteaux and estates — lives to make these wines. This is his passion project, the one nearest to his heart and the one that stands above all the others. Produced in accordance with his bio-dynamic, low-volume, minimal-intervention, purist philosophy, and in a dazzling, glass-and-concrete "sanctuary" of a cellar within his prized, walled vineyard, these are wines of exceptional character, charm, and balance. Wines for any season and any occasion, and that will give you that same thrill of discovery that made you fall in love with wine itself.
What They're Saying: James Suckling assessed all three, and was effusive in his assessment. The Languedoc Cabrières Clos du Temple 2022, he wrote, in his 96-point rave, is brimming with "excellent tension, focus, and texture" and "excellent freshness." Of the 95-point Clos d'Ora 2019, Suckling extolled its "broad and full-bodied" profile, replete with "plenty of fine-grained, closely knit tannins [that give] it a tight, chewy texture." As for the inaugural Villa Soleilla 2022, Suckling praised its "charming and comforting" character, calling it an “ample” wine with "supple development at the center" and a fruit-forward finish.
Our Tasting Notes: These are wines that will command your attention from the first pour. The Clos du Temple Rosé 2022 defies all the predictable rosé tropes, presenting instead as a rich, vital, and vitalizing elixir — a blend of Grenache, Cinsault, Syrah, Viognier, and Mourvèdre that thumbs its nose at convention. The Clos d'Ora Red 2019, meanwhile, is a masterclass in earthy complexity, its Syrah, Grenache, Mourvèdre, and Carignan components coming together in a delicate, integrated composition of power and grace. And then there's the Villa Soleilla — an inaugural venture that harkens back to the ancient origins of orange wines, with its juicy compote of stone fruit and distinctly textured tannins. These are wines that defy easy categorization, and are all the more captivating for it — for speaking in their own, unique voice.
The Story: If there's one person who has done more to elevate the profile of the Languedoc-Roussillon than any other, it's Gérard Bertrand. With no less than 17 estates and 2,000 vineyards spanning this diverse region — from high-altitude Pyrenean sites to coastal vineyards hard by the Mediterranean — Bertrand's empire is nothing short of staggering. Yet for all his success and acclaim, Bertrand remains a proudly involved vigneron, and is committed to the principles of biodynamic viticulture can be felt across his entire portfolio. This more hands-off style of farming, he believes, is not just better for the land, but also better conveys the terroir of his vineyards. Even the experimental Villa Soleilla venture follows this holistic, land-based approach, capturing the essence of its prized Languedoc-Roussillon origins.
What to Pair Them With: The Clos du Temple Rosé practically begs for a caprese salad or shrimp salad, while the Clos d'Ora's savory, spice-tinged profile is built for heartier fare — braised lamb or beef, chicken enchiladas with rojo, or a lusty bowl of chili-drenched dan dan noodles. As for the Villa Soleilla, its distinct textural profile and honeyed stone fruit notes make it a natural match for everything from Thai curries to Moroccan tagines.
Fun Fact: Before taking over the family estate when his father died, Gérard Bertrand was a professional rugby player, competing at the highest levels for 17 years. It's a background that has undoubtedly contributed to his relentless drive, grit, and brio — qualities that have made him one of the most influential figures in the contemporary wine scene of Languedoc-Roussillon.
Our Guarantee: Remember, friends – we always buy and source direct, so you can rest assured that your wine will arrive in your hands with pristine provenance.
*Offer NOT valid in-store. This offer is made pre-arrival, with wines estimated to be delivered to your preferred store in Spring 2025. With the supply chain issues that we are seeing globally, there may be some unforeseen delays which could affect the ETA. All sale prices are the lowest available at Total Wine & More and ONLY valid through Concierge Sales. No further discounts or coupons may be applied. Offer not valid in KS, MI, NY & TN. This offer is for ONE WEEK, or until sold out, and will expire on Friday, November 15th, 2024.