Gérard Bertrand : Villa Soleilla 2022

Characteristics and Tasting Tips for the Villa Soleilla 2022 by Gérard Bertrand

Tasting

Colour

Technically considered a white wine from France made with skin contact, this cuvée reveals a brilliantly clear amber and golden hue, enhanced by subtle orange glints at the rim of the glass.

Nose

The aromatic bouquet stands out for its complexity. It releases scents of orange peel, grapefruit and bergamot, intertwined with notes of burnt sugar, vanilla and white flowers. Touches of garrigue, thyme, honey, candied fruit and white pepper enrich this palette.

Palate

Full-bodied and unctuous, the palate offers a rich texture. Flavours of candied mandarin, dried apricot and hazelnut blend with nuances of cigar box, cedar and Earl Grey tea. A citrus freshness, driven by bitter lemon and lime zest, combines with pronounced salinity to balance the whole. The finish is dry, delicately bitter and supported by finely textured tannins.

Food and Wine Pairings

This wine pairs ideally with a lamb tagine, roasted vegetables with mild spices or mature cheeses. It also works beautifully with Mediterranean cuisine, seafood, and spicy Asian and Indian dishes.

Serving and Cellaring

With significant ageing potential, the Villa Soleilla 2022 can develop favourably in the cellar and be enjoyed until around 2052.

The Aromatic Richness and Structure of an Orange Wine

The Estate

Founded in 1992 by the former rugby player of the same name, Gérard Bertrand has become an essential reference. The estate has established itself as the largest certified biodynamic estate in the world. Today, Gérard Bertrand still leads the group, joined by his daughter Emma Bertrand as creative director. Guided by a philosophy that combines respect for biodiversity with technical mastery, the estate is dedicated to revealing the potential of the terroirs of southern France through cuvées of outstanding quality.

The Vineyard

The grapes come from six old-vine parcels located on the Château l'Hospitalet estate, less than twelve kilometres from the Mediterranean Sea. This limestone and clay terroir, swept by sea winds, offers optimal drainage and naturally limits yields. Farmed according to biodynamic principles, this vineyard produces a Vin de France infused with the aromas of the surrounding garrigue and endowed with a distinctive salinity.

Winemaking and Ageing

The grapes are harvested by hand to respect the ripeness of each parcel. Vinification of the Villa Soleilla 2022 begins with carbonic maceration in temperature-controlled tanks at between 21 and 25°C, using only indigenous yeasts. Halfway through fermentation, the free-run juice is transferred to French oak barrels, while the press juice is divided between terracotta amphorae, glass vessels and stainless steel tanks. After three to four weeks of skin contact, ageing continues in these different vessels for eight months before bottling.

Grape Varieties

This wine is made from a blend of Roussanne, Viognier and Vermentino.