Gérard Bertrand : Cigalus 2018

Tasting characteristics and tips for Gérard Bertrand’s Cigalus 2018

Tasting

Appearance

Brilliant and clear, with a straw-gold hue, this wine displays a crystalline transparency typical of a perfectly crafted dry white wine.

Nose

The nose reveals remarkable aromatic complexity. Fragrances of ripe citrus fruits, notably grapefruit, intertwine with notes of white fruits such as golden apple and peach. The bouquet is enhanced by hints of honey and dried fruits, alongside a subtle toasty touch reflecting well-controlled barrel aging. Floral aromas of acacia and elderflower complete this sophisticated aromatic profile.

Palate

The attack is supple and round, with a lovely, generous mouthfeel. The balanced structure rests on a sustained natural acidity that brings freshness and vibrancy. The palate shows impressive richness and a beautiful creamy texture, unveiling aromas of candied tropical fruits, caramel, vanilla, and salted butter. The finish lingers at length, highlighting fine remaining complexity and attractive aging potential.

Food and wine pairings

This biodynamic white wine is an ideal match for pan-seared scallops, fish in sauce, shellfish, and seafood. It also pairs perfectly with aged cheeses and can be served as an aperitif. Dishes featuring white-meat poultry and delicately flavored Asian cuisine also make excellent pairings.

Serving and cellaring

Cigalus 2018 is best enjoyed at a temperature between 10 and 12 degrees Celsius. This wine can be enjoyed now and will continue to evolve favorably until around 2025.

An outstanding biodynamic white wine from Languedoc

The estate

Gérard Bertrand has embodied the winemaking excellence of Languedoc since 1987, when he took over the family estate at the age of twenty-two. A former professional rugby player turned visionary winemaker, he now oversees seventeen estates and châteaux spanning 930 hectares of vineyards farmed biodynamically. Recognized as the world’s largest producer of Demeter-certified biodynamic wines, Gérard Bertrand was named World’s Best Winemaker in 2019 by the British magazine The Drinks Business. His philosophy combines respect for terroirs, innovation, and environmental commitment, positioning his wines in more than one hundred and seventy-five countries worldwide.

The vineyard

Domaine de Cigalus, acquired in 1995, is located in the heart of Corbières, on the Fontfroide terroir, near the village of Bizanet. The vineyard stretches across rugged terrain benefiting from a semi-arid Mediterranean climate with a mild spring influence. Deep soils, made up of fluvial sediments deposited by the Aussou, help store winter rainfall. In the subsoil, slightly calcareous sandstone dating from the Campanian naturally limits fertility, encouraging berry concentration and a distinctive mineral expression. Farmed biodynamically and Demeter-certified since 2002, this vineyard is managed agronomically without any synthetic inputs and in accordance with lunar cycles. This appellation IGP Aude allows great freedom in blending while guaranteeing geographic origin.

The vintage

The 2018 vintage proved particularly favorable for the Languedoc region. Balanced weather conditions enabled optimal ripening of the grapes without excessive heat, encouraging the harmonious development of the three white grape varieties in the blend while preserving their natural aromatic freshness.

Vinification and aging

Cigalus 2018 is aged in new oak barrels, bringing complexity and structure to the wine while preserving the expression of the grape varieties. This aging method imparts the characteristic toasty and vanilla notes, while allowing progressive micro-oxygenation that supports the wine’s harmonious evolution.

Grape varieties

Chardonnay, Viognier, and Sauvignon Blanc make up this three-part blend. Chardonnay provides the mineral backbone and aging capacity, Viognier adds exotic aromatic richness and generous roundness, while Sauvignon Blanc contributes incisive acidity and classic freshness.