Biodynamic white wines: aromatic white wines at Gérard Bertrand

Biodynamic viticulture is an extension of organic farming. However, the specifications for biodynamic wines are more restrictive than those for organic wines. To claim this biodynamic certification, the wine estate must be certified "AB". It must also meet requirements such as the spraying of homeopathic doses of preparations based on medicinal plants in order to combat pests and promote the healthy development of the vines.

Thus, within the Gérard Bertrand estates certified by the DEMETER label, whether the vines are destined for the production of red wines, rosés, whites, or even orange wines, we apply these preparations in accordance with the lunar and astral calendar cycle. This practice, in addition to preserving biodiversity, strengthens the intensity of the organic life of the vine stocks, favouring higher-quality grapes. As a result, the typicity of biodynamic white wines is singular, offering very aromatic white wines of great finesse.

Biodynamic white wines: white wines bursting with aromas

A word of warning to those who claim to find only 2 or 3 aromas in a glass of white wine, for there are hundreds. And these aromas are all the more complex when white wines are produced using biodynamic viticultural techniques. Indeed, aromas come from grape varieties and the type of soil in which the vine is planted. Added to this are the geographical location, the climatic conditions of the vintage, the winemaking methods and, of course, the storage of the wine. But then why are biodynamic white wines so aromatic?

Once the richness of the soils has been restored through biodynamic viticulture, the vegetative cycle of the vine becomes better defined, yielding a more fully realised quality grape. Furthermore, in terms of vinification, biodynamics prohibits the majority of oenological inputs that organic farming still tolerates. Also, the permitted sulphite levels are even lower than those set out in the AB specifications. This results in authentic white grape juices and musts that carry the purest aromatic expression. Thus, the revelation of these aromas takes place during the fermentation process naturally through enzymes produced by yeasts. And each yeast carries its own aromatic and organoleptic signature, helping to better release aromatic precursors.

The varietal aromas of biodynamic white wines

Each grape variety has its own aromatic characteristics and the aromas are expressed differently depending on the terroir. Take the case of Sauvignon White: it is composed of 3 varietal aromas, namely pyrazines, thiols and terpenes.

● Pyrazines are vegetal aromas characterised by a herbaceous quality.

● Thiols are highly sought-after sulphur compounds that are revealed during fermentation, with aromas of citrus, exotic fruits and boxwood.

● Terpenes encompass more than 4,000 compounds offering aromas reminiscent of rose.

Before fermentation, the presence of these varietal aromas is still odourless. It is only through alcoholic fermentation that white wines become enriched with these aromatic notes. This is why biodynamic white wines are white wines bursting with aromas, authentically expressing their terroir and grape variety. The key is to follow the fermentation process very closely, in order to obtain the most harmonious aromatic expression, as is the case with the blended white wine from Domaine de Cigalus. It is composed of Chardonnay for its buttery character, then Viognier and Sauvignon White for its herbaceous side, lending it intensity and complexity.

Discover the collection of Demeter biodynamic wines by Gérard Bertrand.

Aromatic biodynamic white wines of great finesse

At Gérard Bertrand, our biodynamic white wines hold the advantages of organic white wines while respecting the infinitely small that constitutes the memory of the terroir, the grape varieties and the conditions of the vintage. Since each variety of white grape is conscientiously determined according to its capacity to adapt to its terroir of organic white wine. In this approach of respect for nature and the environment, the true taste of the wine is rediscovered. Indeed, through the passing years, thanks to viticulture in complete harmony with nature and to the biodynamic vinification of its white grapes, the biodynamic wine remains the messenger of its vintage, imbued with a life energy. Moreover, the Grand Vin White of the Château l'Hospitalet planted in the massif of la Clape benefits from an environment of a thousand hectares of garrigue in a protected site. Where flora and fauna reign supreme, allowing the roots of the vines to extract from its soils rich in minerals marls and limestones, revealing a crystalline biodynamic white wine.

The tasting of a white wine always begins with observation. Its colour, hue, intensity and luminance are the beginning of a sensory journey that leaves no one indifferent, plunging into a moment of eternity. To savour this instant, the golden-green colour with silver reflections of the Domaine de l'Aigle draws the taster into the quest for a treasure.

Subsequently, the nose discovers the aromatic intensity and contributes to the definition of its quality. Thus, the biodynamic white wines of Gérard Bertrand deliver a concentration of aromas that are easily perceptible. Like the Grand Vin White of Château La Sauvageonne, which unveils its aromatic complexity with notes of hawthorn, almond and violet flowers over yellow fruits, befitting its volcanic terroir. Its flamboyant bouquet gives way to persistent aromas on the palate, making it a perfect food and wine pairing with grilled fish and shellfish.

The quiz to find out which biodynamic wine suits you best.

The full collection of our organic and biodynamic wines

List of biodynamic white wines:

Domaine de Villemajou: blended white wine made from Marsanne, Maccabeu, Bourboulenc and Roussanne grape varieties;
Art de Vivre : single-varietal Clairette cuvée, slightly sweet white wine
Héritage "An 118": grown in the Coteaux de Narbonne.

And also,