Les Grands Vins Rouges: wines of expression

Yes, to return to the heart of the vineyard's very essence in order to produce Grands Vins Rouges. Because this is where it all happens. Indeed, planting a vineyard is an operation that requires an eye to future generations. However, the grape varieties chosen for this favored terroir are consistent with the knowledge acquired from past generations, as well as the results of agronomic and oenological analyses.

Les Grands Vins Rouges: an intergenerational research project

Everything is decided at planting. There's a big difference between growing a vineyard for an entry-level wine on a high-yield terroir and growing a vineyard for a Grand Vin Rouge on a terroir d'expression. Indeed, the reasoning is not the same. Planting a vineyard to produce Grands Vins Rouges is a commitment for 60, 70 or even 100 years. As is the case for the family vineyard of Gérard Bertrand at Château de Villemajou. This vision requires the support of people both upstream and downstream. Those with experience of the area and an understanding of its microclimates. And professionals in agronomy and oenology, who can provide precise data on grape varieties, soil typology and vine planting, based on the spacing and leaf area required for a Grand Vin red Grand Vin .

A communion between terroir and varietal expression

The difference with standard wines also lies in 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 not only serves to develop the aromatic profile of a grape variety. It is magnified in a communion between the expression of the terroir and that of the grape variety. However, a Grand Vin Rouge is also a wine that, with all its excellence, also identifies with an appellation. Grands Vins Rouges, then, are unique wines that express each of the original nuances of the great wine-growing terroirs. The typicality of Domaine de Cigalus is a case in point: Merlot, Cabernet-Franc and Cabernet-Sauvignon, Caladoc, Syrah, Mourvèdre and Carignan are grown on a mosaic of terroirs in the Aude region between Ocean, Mountain and Sea.

And a total respect for nature, with practices designed to preserve and promote the biodiversity present on the vineyard estate according to its geographical cradle.

The know-how of good farming sense with vines

Following this intergenerational research project. Good farming sense guides know-how The vineyard's daily cultivation practices are in harmony with the vine's vegetative cycle throughout the year. Depending on its progress and climatic conditions, the vineyard is accompanied by the hand of man to protect its capacity to produce the quintessence of the compounds of its soil and the typicités of its grape varieties. As a result, the land is worked with the utmost delicacy. Weed management is perfectly mastered to allow the vines to flourish. Particularly during the flowering period, when rain and humidity are too prevalent, the floral cap cannot be easily removed, contributing to the development of disease. That's why, in Languedoc this phase, we're lucky to benefit from the wind.

Patience and precision for unique red wines

Patience and precision sublimate the natural elegance of these red wines with their unique character. Once the harvest has been picked by hand, it arrives in the vat room. Here, fermentation is closely monitored to ensure that it lives up to its promise. In recent decades, techniques such as thermovinification have made it possible to produce standardized wines from grapes that may lack maturity and quality. In contrast, Grands Vins Rouges are made usingtraditional vinifications methods supported by oenological mastery to ensure that a wine's aromatic expressionlasts throughout its ageing period. This is why the ripeness of anthocyanins i.e. the polyphenolic compounds in the grapes, has a positive influence on the entire vinification red wine process, enabling the cellar master to obtain a wine of superior quality. In this way, the wine develops its letters of nobility during itsageingperiod .

Tasting the Grands Vins Rouges: expressive wines

There's no denying that every Grands Vins Rouges aromatically complex wine should be served at SA the right temperature. These red wines are wines of excellence, and to fully appreciate them, it's important to know a few rules. That's why asking sommeliers about the temperature conditions for serving wine guarantees a great tasting experience. What's more, wine tasting is an art de vivre ofFrench gastronomy .

The Grands Vins Rouges department

Grands Vins Rouges are made by men and women with a passion for detail, using meticulous, culturally-sensitive techniques. Consequently, tasting a bottle of wine requires attention. Entertaining guests by serving the wine in stemmed glasses, and matching food and wine are all priorities in honoring this wine. But the aromatic power of best red wines are often opulent and tannic on the palate. So beware, to the cold which retracts the aromas and tightens the tannins resulting in a palate far from expectations. To get it right, Grands Vins Rouges should not be served at temperatures below 14 degrees C.

Sublime geographical wine and food pairings

As with the Grands Vins Rouges, the origin and conditions of production of the food impact not only the quality of the products, but also their flavors. That's why we strongly recommend combining products from the same terroir. As in the case of the Grands Vins Rouges des Corbières on a Cassoulet. An authentic wine and food pairing with the Grand Vin Rouge d'assemblage from Château L'Hospitalet with its luminous color, notes of black pepper and ripe tannins, for this great moment of sharing on a fine table. And an exceptional wine like La ForgeGeorges Bertrand's favorite parcel is a sumptuous match for mature meat. Its highly viscous character unveils a complex bouquet offering a delightful mouthfeel reminiscent of strolls in the Corbières.

List of Grands Vins Red Grands Vins :

Château L'Hospitalet This Grand Vin Rouge 2020 vintage is ready to drink now, but has a very promising future.

Château des Karantes This Grand Vin Rouge vintage 2019 is best served at 17°C.

Château La Sauvageonne A 2020 vintage to be enjoyed now or kept for several years.

Or discover our entire collection of rosé wines.

Discover the Gérard Bertrand estates :

Its Languedoc-Roussillon wine châteaux

His expertise in the conception of biodynamic wines