The Bertrand family
Red wine: the unconditional choice of wine lovers
Published 9 November 2021 · Updated 7 October 2026
Choose a red wine according to its terroir, grape varieties and the dish. In Languedoc, Syrah, Grenache Noir, Mourvèdre and Carignan dominate the blends. Serve light reds between 12 and 14 °C and structured reds between 16 and 18 °C, then store your bottles away from light at a constant temperature.
The remarkable diversity of red wines in France

France, a country of fine wine and gastronomy, naturally offers an enormous choice of red wines, whether in supermarkets or wine merchants, from table wine to prestigious wines and great vintages. It is no coincidence that red wine is the traditional wine, the most popular and the most appreciated by wine lovers.
France’s geographical and cultural diversity is reflected in its wines. Each wine region and terroir therefore develops its own characteristics, whether in structure, acidity or tannins.
These different types of red wine offer unique flavours: the softness of Malbec from Malepère, the finesse and elegance of a Pinot Noir from the Haute Vallée de l'Aude, the roundness and generosity of a Languedoc wine such as a Pic Saint Loup, a Minervois or a Saint-Chinian, the power and deep colour of a Minervois La Livinière, ...
Gérard Bertrand, a winegrower and entrepreneur specialising in wines from the south of France, particularly Languedoc-Roussillon, has over time developed genuine expertise in producing quality organic red wine from environmentally responsible vineyards.
To discover our red wines, explore the Gérard Bertrand wine collections too.
Which red grape varieties grow in each Languedoc terroir?
- Pinot Noir, IGP Haute Vallée de l’Aude: Aigle Royal Pinot Noir and the Domaine de l’Aigle collection.
- Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Malbec, AOP Malepère: Château La Soujeole Grand Vin.
- Syrah, Grenache Noir, Mourvèdre, Carignan, AOP La Livinière: Clos d’Ora.
- Grenache Noir, Syrah, Carignan, AOP Terrasses du Larzac: Château La Sauvageonne Grand Vin.
- Carignan, Grenache Noir, Syrah, AOP Boutenac: Domaine de Villemajou. Château de Villemajou Grand Vin also includes Mourvèdre.
All these wines are certified organic (AB) and Demeter. To browse them by appellation: Languedoc red wine appellations.
What should you pair with red wine?

With its great variety and extensive range, red wine can be enjoyed on its own as an aperitif or during a meal.
Traditionally, red wine is thought to go mainly with red meat (beef, mutton, duck, game, etc.) and cheese (Roquefort, Comté, goat’s cheese, etc.). While that is true, it is far too limiting: there are many more pairing possibilities. Different grape varieties, terroirs and serving temperatures make it possible to pair the House’s red wines with almost any dish.
Still think red wine and fish don't go together? Try a very low-tannin red, such as this Pinot Noir from Domaine de l’Aigle, with red mullet. You might be surprised!
With a more strongly flavoured fish, such as a tuna steak, you could try a fuller-bodied wine, such as a Minervois. Also much enjoyed at the start of a meal, a tannic red wine will pair perfectly with a starter such as a mixed salad dressed with vinaigrette.
As you can see, red wine can be paired with all sorts of dishes. All that remains is to choose the right wine for the dish and the occasion.
Discover other wine topics:
Great red wines of the Languedoc
And to find out more about:
The châteaux and estates of southern France
The story and values of Gérard Bertrand
Or contact us
Your questions about red wine
What is the best Languedoc red wine?
There is no single best red wine: the choice depends on the terroir, style and dish. Among the House’s wines for ageing, Clos d’Ora, AOP La Livinière, is certified organic (AB) and Demeter; its 2021 vintage ranked 25th in Wine Enthusiast’s 2025 Top 100, with a score of 96/100.
At what temperature should a Languedoc red wine be served?
Serve structured, tannic reds at 16–18 °C, supple reds at 14–16 °C and light reds at 12–14 °C. Each product page gives a recommended temperature: 17 °C for Clos d’Ora, 16 °C for Château l’Hospitalet and 12–14 °C for Domaine de l’Aigle Pinot Noir.
Which grape varieties go into Gérard Bertrand red wines?
Depending on the wine, Gérard Bertrand reds blend varieties including Syrah, Grenache Noir, Mourvèdre, Carignan and Cinsault. Cigalus also combines Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Caladoc, while Domaine de l’Aigle, in the Haute Vallée de l’Aude, is dedicated to Pinot Noir.
How should you store a Gérard Bertrand red wine?
Keep your bottles away from light, in a cool place at a constant temperature. Ageing potential varies by wine: 2 to 4 years for Le Chouchou, 8 to 12 years for Château l’Hospitalet and 15 to 30 years for Clos d’Ora, according to their product sheets.
What is the difference between organic and biodynamic red wine?
Organic wine is made from grapes grown and vinified in accordance with EU organic farming regulations, which prohibit synthetic pesticides and fertilisers, among other things. Biodynamics builds on this foundation, adding a holistic approach to the estate, specific preparations such as 500 and 501, and attention to natural rhythms; Demeter certification verifies this approach.
Can red wine be served with fish?
Yes, provided you choose a low-tannin red. A Pinot Noir from the Haute Vallée de l’Aude, such as those from Domaine de l’Aigle, pairs well with red mullet. For a richer fish such as tuna, you can choose a fuller-bodied red.
Explore further: organic red wine · Demeter biodynamic wine · FAQ
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