Gérard Bertrand : Aigle Royal 2020

Characteristics and tasting advice for the Aigle Royal 2020 from Gérard Bertrand

Tasting

Appearance

The wine displays a bright, vibrant yellow color, enhanced by subtle green highlights. Crystal-clear in purity, it attests to the wine’s preserved freshness and reveals an elegant viscosity in the glass.

Nose

The nose opens on an intense, complex bouquet dominated by aromas of jasmine, toasted oak, and hazelnut butter. With aeration, the aromatic profile evolves toward notes of white peach, pear, melon, and apricot, accompanied by floral nuances of white blossoms. Hints of toasted almond, gentle spices, and subtle menthol notes round out this refined aromatic palette.

Palate

On the palate, the white Aigle Royal 2020 reveals a remarkable balance between richness and freshness. The palate unfolds flavors of grilled fennel, melon, peach, caramel, and toasted nuts, supported by a silky texture and a medium-bodied structure. Bright acidity and saline minerality bring exceptional energy for a wine from the south of France. The finish lingers with elegance, offering a warm, supple sensation, marked by a slightly mouthwatering character that echoes the limestone origins of the terroir.

Food and wine pairings

Aigle Royal Chardonnay 2020 pairs ideally with seafood and shellfish, delicate fish grilled or served in sauce, white meats such as chicken, turkey, or veal, as well as aged, hard cheeses. Its freshness and aromatic complexity also make it an excellent aperitif wine.

An high-altitude Chardonnay from the Languedoc combining crystal-clear freshness and exceptional minerality

The estate

Gérard Bertrand created his wine merchant house in 1992 with the mission of elevating Languedoc-Roussillon to the rank of the world’s great wine regions. Today, the group oversees around 17 estates representing more than 2,000 hectares of Demeter-certified biodynamic vineyards, making it the world’s largest Demeter-certified biodynamic producer. A visionary and pioneer, Gérard Bertrand has transformed the wine landscape of southern France by demonstrating that top-tier quality and environmental sustainability are inseparable. Recognized in 2023 as “World’s Best Winegrower” by Drinks Business magazine, he embodies an avant-garde approach to viticulture that respects terroirs and natural cycles. His daughter Emma Bertrand, representing the fourth generation, joined the group in 2020 as Creative Director, ensuring the continuity of this family vision.

The vineyard

Domaine de l'Aigle, acquired by Gérard Bertrand in 2007, is located near the village of Roquetaillade, close to Limoux, at the foot of the eastern Pyrenees. The estate spans 31 hectares and takes its name from the Bonelli’s eagle, a protected species nesting in the cliff overlooking the property. The Aigle Royal vines are planted at a remarkable altitude between 250 and 500 meters, making it one of the highest vineyards in the Languedoc. This exceptional altitude creates temperatures 2 to 3 degrees Celsius cooler than the rest of the region, with annual rainfall reaching 900 millimeters. The oceanic climate with semi-continental influence is shaped by two distinct winds: the Cers, a dry, cool wind from the Atlantic, and the Marin, a warm, humid Mediterranean wind. The soils alternate between marine limestone in the higher parts, bringing a distinctive mineral dimension, and clay-limestone in the central plots. The vines are planted at a density of 5,000 to 6,000 vines per hectare and benefit from optimal southern exposure. The estate has been certified organic since the 2018 vintage and follows the principles of Terra Vitis sustainable agriculture.

The vintage

The 2020 vintage was marked by a mild winter followed by a contrasting spring. Climatic conditions favored slow, gradual ripening of the grapes, preserving natural acidity and ensuring the wine’s aromatic precision. The significant diurnal temperature variation between warm days and cool nights allowed the grapes to reach optimal maturity while retaining their characteristic freshness.

Vinification and aging

The grapes for Aigle Royal Chardonnay 2020 are harvested by hand at optimal ripeness and transported in small crates to preserve their integrity. After pneumatic pressing at low pressure and light settling, the musts begin alcoholic fermentation in tanks before being transferred mid-fermentation into new oak barrels. Malolactic fermentation is carried out depending on the characteristics of the vintage. Aging continues for 7 to 8 months until the spring equinox, with regular bâtonnage keeping the wine in contact with the lees to enhance aromatic complexity. After light fining, the wine remains unfiltered before bottling, then ages for several months in bottle before release.

Grape variety

100% Chardonnay.