Gérard Bertrand Château L'Hospitalet Grand Vin La Clape Rouge (2022)

Gérard Bertrand is one of the most dynamic figures in French wine today—a former French National Team rugby star who traded the stadium for the vineyard and built an empire rooted in passion, precision, and place. Born in Narbonne and raised among the vines, he now oversees 17 distinct estates across the South-West and Languedoc, farming 930 hectares with an unwavering commitment to biodynamic agriculture. His vineyards are among the largest fully biodynamic holdings in the world, reflecting a belief that healthy soils and vibrant ecosystems create more expressive, authentic wines.

On the edge of the coast, the Château de l’Hospitalet overlooks the Mediterranean from about a hundred meters up. Benefiting from a semi-arid Mediterranean climate with a mild winter variant, the vineyard has exceptional climatic conditions: the Mediterranean heat and sun are tempered by the altitude, allowing the grapes to ripen slowly, which is ideal for a beautiful aromatic expression of the wines and their tannins. Two types of soil contribute to the aromatic complexity, finesse, and elegance of this vintage. The Gargasian marl-limestone soils at the foot of the cliff, rich in fossils, provide the vines with a supply of water throughout the summer despite the absence of summer rains. The Mediterranean red soils of the Barremian, formed on compact bluish-gray limestones reclaimed from the scrubland, allow for the production of rich and concentrated wines. Château l’Hospitalet Grand Vin comes from the best vines of the estate.

The dress is bright ruby. The nose, intense, is dominated by aromas of spices and red fruits such as strawberry. The palate presents silky and fine tannins highlighting the fruity freshness of this wine. This fleshy, harmonious wine, with an elegant structure, can be enjoyed now and promises a very promising future.

Blend: 60% Syrah, 30% Grenache, 10% Mourvèdre