Biodynamic orange wines: the expertise of Gérard Bertrand

At Gérard Bertrand, the method of producing orange wines through biodynamics is carried out with a holistic vision. Thus, the vine and its environment are a living organism in constant evolution. The white grape varieties typical of Languedoc-Roussillon and also those dear to Gérard Bertrand are tended using natural inputs recommended according to the biodynamic calendar. Chardonnay, Grenache-Blanc, Viognier, Marsanne, Mauzac, Muscat, Roussanne, Vermentino, Sauvignon-Blanc and Colombard are observed daily. A dialogue with nature develops through analysis of the soil, fauna, flora and vegetative cycle of the vine to determine the biodynamic cultural techniques. Within this heritage, biodynamics takes on its full meaning. Indeed, it is about understanding the typicity of each grape variety, according to each terroir, as the process of producing orange wines rests on the idea that the vineyard must be in harmony with cosmic forces. Thus, according to the Maria Thun calendar, preparations based on medicinal plants or minerals are applied to the soil or vine leaves in order to strengthen their natural defences and stimulate microbial life in the soil. Whilst synthetic chemical products are excluded, the surrounding hedgerows, woodlands and watercourses make way for an abundant biodiversity. Thus, the quality of the grapes yields orange wines true to their terroir.

Biodynamic orange wines: the winemaking techniques of Gérard Bertrand

Orange wine originates from Georgia, where it has been produced for centuries. Georgians use clay jars to ferment and age the wine. It is produced from indigenous grape varieties which are local white varieties such as Rkatsiteli and Mtsvane. It is a white wine crafted using the method of red wines, that is to say by leaving the grape skins and seeds in contact with the juice during fermentation. Within the winery at Gérard Bertrand, the biodynamic orange wine has the distinctive feature of undergoing a skin maceration during its vinification, as with red wines. Thus, the phenolic compounds of white grapes are better extracted, releasing colouring matter and tannins contained in the grape berry skins. Depending on the vintages, we choose not to push this maceration too far in order to retain sufficient acidity. Orange wine does not undergo any addition of sulphites. Due to the extraction of polyphenols from the white grape skin, orange wine naturally protects itself from oxidation. Once its fermentation is complete, depending on the extraction obtained and the result of the vintage, the biodynamic orange wine is transferred into barrels or amphoras to be aged naturally. Moreover, Villa Soleilla is an orange wine born of the biodynamic winemaking techniques of Gérard Bertrand. It benefits from the fine porosity of the clay amphora , providing regular oxygenation and rounding out its tannins.

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The full collection of our organic and biodynamic wines

List of orange wines:

Orange Gold organic wine: Orange organic wine in its gift box of 3 bottles

Villa Soleilla Grand Vin Orange biodynamique: wooden case of 3 bottles

Villa Soleilla Grand Vin Orange: 2021 vintage, case of 6 bottles

Villa Soleilla Grand Vin Orange: 2020 vintage, individual wooden case

The full collection of our orange wines.

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Explore the Gérard Bertrand estates:

Its wine estates in the Languedoc-Roussillon

Its expertise in crafting biodynamic wines