Gérard Bertrand : Aigle Royal 2019

Characteristics and tasting advice for Aigle Royal 2019 by Gérard Bertrand

Tasting

Appearance

The wine shows a ruby red color highlighted by light purple hues.

Nose

The nose reveals lovely aromatic intensity dominated by small red berries, notably raspberry and redcurrant. Subtle toasted notes add depth to the bouquet, reflecting careful aging in barrels.

Palate

On the palate, this Pinot Noir delights with its fine, silky texture. The tannins are delicate and elegant, framing an expressive fruity core. The finish lingers pleasantly on fruit, with a finely spiced touch that extends the tasting experience.

Food and wine pairings

Aigle Royal 2019 pairs perfectly with grilled red meats and roast poultry. It also goes very well with grilled fish or fish in sauce, as well as with aged cheeses.

Serving and cellaring

This wine can be enjoyed now but has cellaring potential until around 2029. It is best served at a temperature between 10 and 13°C.

A high-altitude Pinot Noir from Languedoc grown biodynamically

The estate

Gérard Bertrand has embodied Languedoc’s winemaking excellence for more than four decades. After taking over the family estate in 1987 following the accidental death of his father Georges, he founded the Gérard Bertrand wine company in 1992. Today, his empire spans 1,000 hectares across 17 estates, including 930 hectares farmed biodynamically. A pioneer of biodynamic viticulture in the south of France, Gérard Bertrand was named “World’s Best Winemaker” in 2023 by The Drinks Business.

The vineyard

Aigle Royal is produced at Domaine de l'Aigle, located at the foothills of the Pyrénées in the Haute Vallée de l'Aude. This exceptional vineyard covers between 31 and 47 hectares at a remarkable altitude ranging from 250 to 500 meters, with some plots reaching 600 meters. The Pinot Noir plot sits midway up the slopes on clay-limestone soils, with a due-south exposure at around 400 meters above sea level. This unique setting creates particularly favorable climatic conditions: spectacular southern exposure, constant windy freshness, and a remarkable day-to-night temperature range. The vineyard benefits from the combined influence of the Atlantic Cers wind and the Mediterranean Marin wind. The estate has been certified organic since 2018 and is farmed according to the principles of Demeter-certified biodynamics. The estate’s name refers to Bonelli’s eagles, a protected species nesting on the nearby Roquetaillade cliff.

The vintage

The 2019 vintage in Languedoc benefited from favorable weather conditions, allowing optimal grape ripening. The vineyard’s high altitude and significant temperature swings preserved the fruit’s natural freshness while enabling remarkable aromatic concentration.

Winemaking and aging

The vines of Aigle Royal 2019 receive meticulous care, with frequent manual work. Harvesting begins only after daily tastings of the berries confirm optimal ripeness. The grapes, harvested by hand, are destemmed before being placed in vats for traditional maceration. Alcoholic fermentation takes place under temperature control to preserve fruit aromas. Aging in French oak barrels lasts several months, adding structure and complexity to the wine, before bottling.

Grape variety

100% Pinot Noir