Hachette Wine Guide 2022: Eight great Gérard Bertrand wines rewarded

Of the 35,000 French wines tasted blind in 2021 by wine professionals, the juries of the 2022 Hachette Wine Guide selected 8,000. The selection has just been released and eight exceptional Gérard Bertrand wines have been awarded this year. A look back at the award-winning wines with details of the tastings.

L'Aigle Royal Pinot Noir , IGP Haute Vallée de l'Aude, 2018, 2 stars: A light ruby ​​color, in good taste for a Pinot Noir, and a blossoming, intense nose, a pleasant compromise between the brightness of the fruit (red) and the vanilla imprint of the barrel. A fruity intensity that does not weaken in a rather chiseled mouth, with a lightness of good quality, supported by silky tannins. A tasty and refined Pinot Noir.

Tautavel Hommage aux vignerons , Red, AOP Côtes du Roussillon Villages Tautavel, 2019, 2 stars: The nose is marked by a note of cherry brandy, then opens onto black fruits. Balance and imposing material, nuanced with leather and liquorice, are present in this wine in the making.

Domaine Georges Bertrand Cuvée d'Exception, Red, AOP Corbières Boutenac, 2019, 2 stars: A blend of 4 grape varieties aged 6 months in barrels. Ripe fruit, scrubland, roasting, a touch of freshness: the nose is not lacking in seduction. Generously woody, the palate, round on the attack, firmer on the finish, is just as seductive. Modern and flattering.

L'Indomptable de Cigalus Rouge, IGP Aude Hauterive, 2019, 1 star: no less than 8 grape varieties blended in this warm red in keeping with the tone of the vintage. We remember its deep ruby ​​color, its richly fruity and spicy nose and its opulent mouth that charms with its heady roundness, its well-coated tannins and its warm aromas of blackberry jam and spices.

L'indomptable de Cigalus Blanc, IGP Pays d'Oc, 2020, 1 star: A favorite in the 2018 vintage, this cuvée is back in great shape. Initially reserved, the nose diffuses the brioche and toasted notes of a vinification and aging in wood. Aging that accompanies a round and fat mouth, with frank notes of pastry, quickly refreshed by a good acidity. A modern, structured, table white, which offers good potential in the cellar.

Réserve Gérard Bertrand Fitou, Red, AOP Fitou, 2019, 1 star: Carbonic maceration for the Carignan and traditional for the Grenache, this classic Fitou has a garnet color with purple highlights. The nose is fine and elegant, on red fruits, sweet spices and wood. The palate offers aromas of cherry and toast, supported by melted tannins and a fine freshness.

Tautavelissime , AOP Côtes du Roussillon Villages Tautavel, 2019, Red, 1 star: Garnet-purple, this wine with woody notes appears ample and structured. The empyreumatic notes are present. A wine to keep in the cellar.

Château La Soujeole Grand Vin Rouge , AOP Malepère, 2019, Red, 1 star: This high-end blend of Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Malbec will have spent 12 months in barrels. The nose reminds us of this with its vanilla notes on a background of crushed black fruits, with a discreet animal touch. Ample and intense on the attack, the palate is firmly structured, powerful, marked by wood and vigorous tannins. A beautiful building that invites patience.