Gerard Bertrand is an institution in France. A larger than life figure, an ex-rugby star who was forced to take over the family estate at the age of 22 following his father’s death in a car accident. While continuing his sports career he managed not only to uphold his father’s legacy but today he is seen by many as the saviour of Languedoc wine. At the age of 54 he owns 14 estates, 12 of them are biodynamically farmed and his most expensive Languedoc red sells for 170 euros (a record for this much-maligned region).
So far I have only tasted some of his low-end wines but none of them disappointed. This rosé was one of the wines that I brought home from our summer holiday in Provence. Everything is right about it: the quality, the eye-catching package and the price (less than 8 euros at Carrefour).
The colour is fairly pale and makes it immediately clear that this is vying for glory in the Provence rosé category. On opening the nose shows some run-of-the-mill candy, strawberry notes but with air it turns into something more interesting and elegant with hints of mango, marzipan, white flowers and orange zest. Great balance, good fruit concentration and intensity. Fuller than the most subtle Provence rosés it also has more bite and tannins. Persistent, dry finish. Shows good intensity and complexity all the way through.
6 points and excellent value at €7.30.
The striking bottle design was created by a student of Ecole Boulle, Mélitine Courvoisier.
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