Gérard Bertrand : Château L'Hospitalet "Grand Vin" 2019

Tasting characteristics and advice for Château L'Hospitalet "Grand Vin" 2019 by Gérard Bertrand

Tasting

Appearance
The wine displays a bright ruby color, with remarkable intensity and visual depth that reflects its concentration.

Nose
The nose opens on a complex bouquet of ripe red fruits, with notes of strawberry and raspberry, alongside black fruits such as plum and blueberry. Aromas of peppery spices and cinnamon mingle with nuances of Mediterranean garrigue recalling thyme and rosemary. Smoky, lightly toasted touches add an extra dimension to the aromatic profile.

Palate
On the palate, the wine reveals a broad structure and a silky texture. The tannins are refined and elegant, gently coating the palate. The fruit-driven core unfolds generously, with flavors of stewed fruits and sweet spices. The balance between power and freshness is remarkable, leading into a lingering finish with warm notes of black fruit and plum.

Food and wine pairings
This Languedoc red wine pairs perfectly with grilled red meats, herb-roasted lamb with Herbes de Provence, as well as slow-cooked dishes such as hunter-style rabbit. It also matches beautifully with free-range poultry in sauce and aged cheeses.

Serving and cellaring
Château L'Hospitalet "Grand Vin" 2019 can be enjoyed now or cellared for around 15 to 20 years. It is recommended to serve it at a temperature of 16 to 18°C.

A great wine from La Clape combining Mediterranean power and biodynamic elegance

The estate
Gérard Bertrand today embodies the fourth generation of a winemaking family rooted in the Languedoc since 1920. Born in 1965, he took over the family estate in 1987 at the age of 22, while continuing a professional rugby career until 1994. In 1992, he founded the Société des Vins Gérard Bertrand and gradually acquired several prestigious estates, including Château l'Hospitalet in 2002. A pioneer of biodynamic viticulture in the region, he converted all 930 hectares of his vineyards to these demanding principles, obtaining Demeter certification. In 2024, Gérard Bertrand received the title of International Wine Entrepreneur of the Year, recognizing his role as an ambassador for Languedoc wines and the Mediterranean art of living.

The vineyard
Château l'Hospitalet spans 1,000 hectares in the heart of the protected natural park of La Clape, between Narbonne and the Mediterranean, with 82 hectares dedicated to vines. The parcels selected for the Grand Vin benefit from an exceptional terroir composed of limestone and marl soils, enriched with clay. Located at around one hundred meters above sea level, the vineyard enjoys a sunny Mediterranean climate, tempered by sea breezes that preserve the grapes’ freshness. The vines are farmed biodynamically and Demeter-certified since 2017, encouraging biodiversity and the authentic expression of La Clape’s terroir.

The vintage
The 2019 vintage benefited from favorable weather conditions that allowed the grapes to ripen optimally under the generous Mediterranean sun, while preserving the balance and freshness needed to craft a great wine.

Winemaking and aging
The grapes destined for Château L'Hospitalet "Grand Vin" 2019 are harvested by hand at optimal ripeness. After a rigorous sorting, the different grape varieties are vinified separately in tanks. Part of the Syrah is vinified as whole clusters to bring complexity and structure. Maceration lasts 20 to 25 days, enabling a harmonious extraction of tannins and aromas. After malolactic fermentation, the wine is aged in French oak barrels for 12 to 16 months, with regular bâtonnage. The final blend is made after aging, selecting the best barrels to craft this great wine.

Grape varieties
Syrah (68 %)
Grenache (24 %)
Mourvèdre (8 %)