Gérard Bertrand : Clos d'Ora 2020

Tasting Notes and Serving Suggestions for Clos d'Ora 2020 by Gérard Bertrand

Tasting

Color

The color displays a deep, bright ruby-red hue, reflecting the wine’s vitality and energy.

Nose

The nose reveals fine aromatic complexity, with aromas of ripe black fruits—especially blackberries and black cherries—alongside notes of dark plum. With aeration, spicy nuances of pepper and licorice emerge, followed by hints of chocolate, mint, and eucalyptus. Subtle mineral notes of stone and flint complete this elegant bouquet.

Palate

The attack is both enveloping and captivating—powerful while maintaining lovely elegance. The palate reveals intense black-fruit flavors, carried by supple, subtle tannins that lend structure and refinement without astringency. The aromatic complexity continues with spicy, chocolate, and herbal notes. The finish stands out for its remarkable length and aromatic persistence, with a balanced tannic presence and increasingly pronounced mineral dimensions.

Food and wine pairings

This wine pairs perfectly with grilled red meats, game in sauce, or refined Mediterranean dishes. It also goes well with aged hard cheeses.

Serving and cellaring

Clos d'Ora 2020 can be enjoyed now, while also offering excellent aging potential thanks to its tannic structure and aromatic concentration.

A great wine from the Languedoc, from the exceptional Minervois La Livinière terroir

The estate

Founded in 1992 by Gérard Bertrand, a former professional rugby player turned visionary winemaker, the Gérard Bertrand estate now spans more than 930 hectares of vineyards in the Languedoc, including 830 hectares certified in biodynamics. Gérard Bertrand, who currently leads the company, has made biodynamic viticulture the cornerstone of his philosophy, positioning his estate as the world’s largest biodynamic producer. His goal is to reveal the exceptional potential of the Languedoc terroirs and transform the region’s international reputation. The estate comprises sixteen châteaux and properties, including the prestigious Château l'Hospitalet, and distributes its wines in 150 countries.

The vineyard

The Clos d'Ora vineyard occupies an exceptional position at the top of the Minervois La Livinière appellation, at an altitude between 200 and 220 meters. This nine-hectare site, discovered in 1997, stands out for its remarkable isolation, surrounded by Mediterranean garrigue and protected by traditional dry-stone walls. The geology is extraordinarily complex, with a fault line separating different geological periods: lacustrine limestone in the upper parts, and a mosaic of sandstone, clay, and marl across the rest of the property. This diversity creates eight distinct plots with unique soil characteristics. The altitude and exposure generate a specific microclimate, with summer temperature swings of 20°C—ideal for grape ripening. The vineyard is farmed exclusively in Demeter-certified biodynamics, with soil work carried out solely using horses and mules. The vines include centenarian Carignan, as well as plantings of Syrah, Grenache, and Mourvèdre.

The vintage

The 2020 vintage benefited from climatic conditions that allowed for full phenolic ripeness. Sufficient warmth promoted optimal development of color and aromas without causing excessive concentration through dehydration. The vineyard’s altitude and geographic position brought a freshness that preserved acidity and aromatic complexity.

Vinification and aging

The winemaking of Clos d'Ora 2020 follows a rigorous protocol that respects the specific character of each plot and each grape variety. Harvesting is carried out by hand at optimal ripeness, followed by a strict grape selection. Syrah, Grenache, and Mourvèdre are destemmed before fermentation, then vinified with gentle macerations and controlled temperatures to favor aromatic expression while limiting tannin extraction. Carignan is vinified as whole clusters at a higher temperature to maximize aromatic complexity and color extraction. After fermentation, the wines are aged for twelve months in French oak barrels. The final blend is assembled after the spring equinox according to a precise sequence: Grenache, then Syrah, Mourvèdre, and finally Carignan.

Grape varieties

Syrah (34%)
Carignan (26%)
Grenache (25%)
Mourvèdre (20%)