Gérard Bertrand : Cigalus 2023

Characteristics and Tasting Tips for Cigalus 2023 by Gérard Bertrand

Tasting

Colour

Cigalus 2023 reveals an intense, dense and brilliant red robe with garnet highlights, reflecting the beautiful ripeness of the grapes harvested on the Fontfroide terroir.

Nose

The nose is complex and expressive, blending aromas of ripe red fruits, black cherry and blackberry with notes of more confit dark fruits, enhanced by subtle spicy touches and a light hint of oak imparted by the ageing.

Palate

The palate is ample and fleshy, supported by ripe, silky tannins. Flavours of dark fruits and sweet spices unfold generously, underpinned by a freshness that brings balance and prolongs the finish with persistence.

Food and Wine Pairing

Cigalus 2023 is an ideal match for grilled or sauced red meats, game and slow-cooked dishes with Mediterranean flavours. It also pairs very well with mature hard cheeses.

Serving and Cellaring

Cigalus 2023 is best enjoyed at a temperature of around 16 to 18 °C. Light decanting allows the richness of its aromas to be fully revealed. This wine can be enjoyed now.

A Red Wine from the Corbières, an Expression of Biodynamics at Domaine de Cigalus

The Estate

The Gérard Bertrand group, now led by Gérard Bertrand himself, brings together several estates in Languedoc, including Domaine de Cigalus, acquired in 1995. A committed winemaker, Gérard Bertrand has made biodynamics the guiding principle of his estates. A pioneer in this field at Cigalus since 2002, he has turned this Languedoc family heritage into a benchmark for sustainable viticulture and fine wines from the South of France.

The Vineyard

Cigalus 2023 comes from Domaine de Cigalus, located in the heart of the Corbières on the Fontfroide terroir, in the IGP Aude. The vines benefit from a unique, refreshing environment that tempers the prevailing Mediterranean climate. The deep and complex soils consist of free-draining sands, clays and a subsoil of limestone sandstone dating from the Secondary Era. The vineyard has been farmed biodynamically since 2002 and holds both AB and Demeter certifications.

The Vintage

The 2023 vintage was marked by a hot, sunny, semi-arid Mediterranean climate, tempered by some milder spells in spring. These conditions favoured early and optimal ripening of the grapes, achieving a fine balance between concentration and freshness.

Vinification and Ageing

For the production of Cigalus 2023, the grapes are hand-harvested, grape variety by grape variety, at optimal phenolic ripeness. After maceration, the wine is aged in barrels, which lend it structure and complexity while preserving the fruity expression of each grape variety.

Grape Varieties

Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Syrah, Grenache, Caladoc and Carignan.