Gérard Bertrand, the award-winning Languedoc winemaker, has
written a new autobiography, titled Le Vin à la belle étoile (Wine, Moon and Stars).
Published by Editions de La Martinière, the former Stade Français rugby captain describes it as a “passionate” book. Gérard Bertrand chose
to give his royalties to the GoodPlanet Foundation, chaired by
Yann Arthus-Bertrand, which seeks to raise public awareness of ecology and to promote living together in harmony.
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| French winemaker Gérard Bertrand's new autobiography |
In other news, Gérard Bertrand has launched a new sparkling
wine called Code Rouge. The Code Rouge Brut Eternal cuvée is presented in a striking
red-coloured bottle and pays tribute to the world’s first sparkling wines, made
by the monks of Saint Hilaire Abbey, near Limoux.
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| Code Rouge Brut Eternel cuvée |
In addition, Gérard Bertrand has finally released the long-awaited red wine Clos d’Ora, which the winemaker has celebrated with a poem:
“It all began with this vision I had
“when wandering through this spot in 1997.
“I felt myself to be at peace and in harmony with nature.
“And from this, a love of creation welled up inside me.
“The idea of producing an exceptional wine on this terroir
had been born.
“Some 15 years later, we created the first vintage.
“Thank you for your patience.”
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| Clos d'Ora red wine |
In further product launch news, Gérard Bertrand has released
the Collection Legend Vintage, an exclusive range of vintages from 1875 to 1974.
Meanwhile, the company is highlighting food pairings. Gris
Blanc, a pale and crystalline rosé, pairs well with seafood, especially
oysters, and Asian food. Aigle Royal Pinot Noir 2012 is recommended with
truffles, while Code Rouge is said to go well with the festive king cake.
Gérard Bertrand wines hail from several estates, notably
Domaine de Villemajou, located in Corbières, the family home and estate of Gérard
Bertrand, and Château l'Hospitalet, a famous wine tourism destination that
promotes the Mediterranean art de vivre. Château l'Hospitalet was the only red
wine poured at the banquet of the 2013 Nobel Prize Ceremony.
Other notable estates are: Domaine de Cigalus (MJ Rabbit’s
personal favourite), cultivated with biodynamic agriculture; Domaine de
l'Aigle; Château Laville Bertrou; Château Aigues Vives; Château La Sauvageonne; and Château de la Soujeole.
Cheers!
