Great Red Wines: expressive wines

These iconic wines are Grands Vins Rouges from an exceptional terroir and produced with the greatest care. This means that unlike other wines, Grands Vins Rouges are different. Indeed, not only organoleptic quality is accomplished, but also, the production method confers differences in terms of cultivation and winemaking. Even if to make red wine, the production process is common to all types of wines. To produce Great Red Wines , you always have to come back in the heart of the vineyard . Because what gives a Great Red Wine is the care given during the precision pruning of each of the old vines. In order to have a controlled yield and a expression of terroir which do not undergo any modification by oenological inputs or technological processes aimed at correcting the authenticity of the wine .

A preferred terroir

Yes, returning to the very heart of the vineyard's essence to produce great red wines. Because this is where everything happens. Indeed, planting a vineyard is an operation that requires keeping an eye on future generations. However, the grape varieties chosen for this preferred terroir are consistent with the knowledge acquired by past generations, as well as the results of analyses. agronomic And oenological.

Great Red Wines: a work of intergenerational research

Everything is decided at the planting stage. There is a notable difference between cultivating a vine for an entry-level wine on a high-yield terroir and cultivating a vine for a Grand Vin Rouge on a terroir of expression . Indeed, the reasoning is not the same. Since a vineyard plantation intended to produce Great Red Wines commits for 60, 70 or even 100 years. As is the case for the family vineyard of Gerard Bertrand of Château de Villemajou . This vision requires surrounding oneself upstream and downstream. With those who have experience of the place and understanding of the microclimates of this geographical area. As well as professionals in agronomy and oenology who will be able to provide precise data according to the grape varieties , the typology of the soil and the planting of the vine to be practiced according to the spacing and the leaf surface desired for a Great Red Wine.

A communion between the expression of terroir and that of the grape variety

The difference with standard wines also lies in the precision viticulture on exceptional plots . Indeed, qualitative excellence is also achieved thanks to the exposure and microclimate in which the vines flourish. This meticulous viticulture does not only serve to develop the aromatic profile of a grape variety. It is magnified in a communion between the expression of terroir and that of the grape variety . However, a Grand Vin Rouge is also a wine which, with all its excellence, is also identified with an appellation . So, the Grands Vins Rouges are unique wines which express each of the original nuances of the great wine-growing terroirs . The typicality of the Domaine de Cigalus is an example of this: the grape varieties of Merlot, Cabernet-Franc and Cabernet-Sauvignon, Caladoc, Syrah , Mourvèdre and Carignan are cultivated on a mosaic of terroir in the Aude region between Ocean, Mountain and Sea.

And also a total respect for nature, with practices aimed at preserving and promoting the biodiversity present on the wine estate according to the geographical cradle.

The production of great red wines: careful observation of maturity

What distinguishes the Great Red Wines from other wines is also the phenolic maturity . And each vintage is not necessarily conducive to a successful maturation of the grape berry in all its capital. technical maturity essentially defines the potential degree and acidity. It is assessed by analysis, but it is insufficient to determine the maturity of the Great Red Wines . So, observing the physiological maturity is more interesting. Since it aims to detect the evolution of the vegetative behavior of the vine. In this case, it demonstrates the ability of the vine to extract a particular expression from its reserves. The Holy Grail for Great Red Wines is to achieve the phenolic maturity . This maturity of the skins and seeds promises high-end wines .

The know-how of common sense with the vine

Following this intergenerational research work. Peasant common sense guides the know-how daily cultural practices that harmonize throughout the year with the vine's growing cycle. Depending on its progress and the climatic conditions, the vineyard is accompanied by the hand of man to protect its capacity to produce the quintessence compounds of its soil and typicalities of its grape varieties. Thus, the work of the land is done with the greatest delicacy. The maintenance of the grass cover is mastered to perfection so that the vine can flourish. Especially at the time of its flowering , if there is too much rain and humidity then the flower cap does not detach easily and contributes to the development of diseases. Hence the chance, in Languedoc in this phase to benefit from the presence of the wind.

Patience and precision gestures for unique red wines

Patience and precise gestures enhance the natural elegance obtained from these red wines with their unique character. Once the harvest is hand-picked, it arrives in the vat room. In these conditions, the fermentations are monitored very closely to ensure they live up to their promises. In recent decades, numerous techniques such as thermovinification have made it possible to produce standardized wines from grapes that may lack maturity and quality. In contrast, Great Red Wines are obtained by methods of traditional winemaking supported with a oenological mastery in order to prolong the aromatic expression of a wine through its aging. This is why the anthocyanin maturity that is, the polyphenolic compounds of grapes have a positive influence on the entire course of the winemaking red wine, allowing the cellar master to obtain a superior quality wine. In this way, the wine develops during its aging period its letters of nobility.

Tasting the Great Red Wines: expressive wines

It is undeniable that each Great Red Wines due to its aromatic complexity should be served at The right temperature. These red wines are excellent wines, and to fully appreciate them, it is important to know a few rules. This is why it is important to consult the sommeliers on the temperature conditions for serving wine guarantees a very beautiful taste experience. In addition, tasting a wine is an art of living French gastronomy which stands out for its refinement.

The Service of Great Red Wines

Great Red Wines are produced by men and women passionate about attention to detail, practicing meticulous gestures imbued with a culture. Therefore, tasting a bottle requires attention. Welcome your guests well by serving the wine in stemmed glasses and pairing the food and wine are all priorities to honor this wine. But the aromatic power of the The best red wines often produce opulent and tannic wines on the palate. So be careful, in the cold which retracts the aromas and squeeze them tannins creating a palate far from the expected. To do it properly, the Great Red Wines should not be served at a temperature below 14 degrees C.

Sublime geographical food and wine pairings

Just as with the Great Red Wines, the origin and production conditions of the dishes impact not only the quality of the products, but also their flavors. This is why it is strongly recommended to pair products from the same terroir. As is the case with the Great Red Wines of Corbières on a Cassoulet . An authentic local food and wine pairing with the Grand Vin Rouge blend of Château L'Hospitalet with its luminous color, notes of black pepper and ripe tannins for this great moment of sharing on a beautiful table. As well as an exceptional wine like La Forge , this favorite plot of Georges Bertrand, pairs sumptuously with matured meat. Its character with significant viscosity reveals a complex bouquet offering an enchantment on the palate that recalls walks in Corbières.

List of Great Red Wines:

L'Hospitalet Castle : this Grand Vin Rouge 2020 vintage can be drunk now while having a very promising future.

Karantes Castle : this Grand Vin Rouge vintage 2019 is served at 17°C.

La Sauvageonne Castle : 2020 vintage to enjoy now or keep for a few years.

Or, discover the entire collection of our rosé wines .

Explore the Gérard Bertrand estates :

His wine châteaux of Languedoc-Roussillon

His expertise in the design of biodynamic wines