Review: Gerard Bertrand 2011 Cigalus Blanc
- vinterest
- Apr 5, 2015
- 2 min read
The low-down: Before wine making Gerard Bertrand was famous in a very different life pursuit ... scroll down to see if you know what it was!
Languedoc Roussillon is the science lab of French wine. Their relative lax IGP status allows winemakers the ability to innovate with varietals and blending. Land is also much cheaper here. We earlier opened a Dominique Hauvette 2009 Les Hauteurs Prelude from Languedoc Roussillon. Dominique is a very progressive (almost anti-establishment) French vigneron known for challenging many of the French wine industry's traditions. In an interview with Louis Dressner she was quoted: "In my eyes the AOC system is the death of progress and evolution in French winemaking."
Similarly, this Cigalus is an IGP (Aude Hauterive), not an AOC, which means the requirements on the blend and the production process are less rigid. The blend is a curious mix of chardonnay (70%), viognier (20%), sauvignon blanc (10%). 14.5% alcohol content for a white wine is becoming more common these days. Another similarity is that Betrand, like Hauvette, is a big proponent of biodynamic production. The Cigalus domaine, 75 ha under vine, was acquired by Bertrand in 1995.
We picked this up at Dubai Duty Free at the airport for E 35.
The take: A light, transparent golden color. You can see the alcohol content via the long legs. On the nose musty, dried fruits, maybe eggplant. It's a forward, full nose. Hints of banana, toffee and maple syrup. With time that corn smell that chardonnay sometimes exhibits. A smooth attack. Distinct, hazelnut, malty. Unique. Good acidity, creamy, quite sour, woody.
In closing: A unique white blend that packs the punch of a rugby tackle.
Rating: 7.5 out of 10.
Fact corner:
Country: France
Region: Aude Hauterive (IGP)
Producer: Gerard Bertrand
Vintage: 2011
Grape: Chardonnay, viognier, sauvignon blanc
Alcohol content: 14.5%
Serving temperature: 11°C
Price range: Mid-range
Gérard Bertrand is a former rugby union player who represented France, RC Narbonne, and the Stade Français.
