Château L'Hospitalet Grand Vin Rouge - AOP La Clape - 2021

Pairing: This wine pairs perfectly with rich and flavorful dishes such as grilled red meats, game, saucy dishes, or aged cheeses.

Year: 2021

Taste: On the palate, this wine is powerful and harmonious, offering a beautiful tannic structure while remaining elegant. Flavors of black fruits (such as blueberry and plum) blend with subtle hints of licorice and black pepper. The tannins are fine and well-integrated, and the finish is long and pleasant, with a slight touch of vanilla from oak barrel aging. The nose is rich and intense, with aromas of ripe red fruits like cherry and blackberry, accompanied by spicy and slightly woody notes typical of oak barrel aging.

Tasting Temperature: 16°C

Grapes: Syrah, Grenache, Mourvèdre

Alcohol Volume: 15%

Awards:

Voted Best Red Wine in the World with the 2017 vintage – International Wine Challenge. 97/100.

Platinum Medal and 97/100 rating at the Decanter World Wine Awards 2022.

La Revue du Vin de France 2022: 90/100.

Bettane & Desseauve: 94/100.

La Revue du Vin de France 2025: 91/100.

Bettane & Desseauve 2025: 92/100.

The estate and the vineyard

The Gérard Bertrand Estate is one of the most iconic names in the wines of Languedoc-Roussillon, a wine-growing region in the south of France. Founded by Gérard Bertrand, a passionate and committed winemaker, the estate embodies authenticity, quality, and innovation. Gérard Bertrand is particularly renowned for his ability to produce exceptional wines while highlighting the richness of his terroir and the biodiversity of the region.

Location and Terroir: The estate is located in Languedoc, one of the oldest wine-growing regions in France, largely within appellations such as AOP Minervois, AOP Corbières, AOP La Clape, and AOP Coteaux du Languedoc. The estate's terroir is unique, with a great diversity of soils (clay-limestone, schist, pebbly soils, etc.) that allow different grape varieties to fully express themselves. The Mediterranean climate, with maritime influences and generous sunshine, favors the optimal ripening of the grapes.

Commitment to Sustainable Agriculture: Gérard Bertrand is a strong advocate for sustainable agriculture and environmental preservation. The estate has chosen to work with biodynamic and organic farming methods, and a large portion of the vineyards is certified AB (Agriculture Biologique). The goal is to produce wines that respect the environment while preserving the richness and typicity of the terroir.

The Wines:

The estate offers a wide range of red, white, and rosé wines, from entry-level cuvées to prestigious selections. Here are some key elements:

Red Wines: Gérard Bertrand favors blends of typical Languedoc grape varieties such as Syrah, Grenache, Carignan, and Mourvèdre. These red wines are often powerful, fruity, and spicy, with a beautiful tannic structure, yet great elegance.

White Wines: The white wines are mainly made from grape varieties like Chardonnay, Viognier, and Roussanne, offering fresh, aromatic wines with floral and fruity notes.

Rosé Wines: Light, fruity, and refreshing, the estate's rosés are perfect for aperitifs or summer dishes.

Iconic Cuvées:

Clos du Temple: A prestigious cuvée in AOP Languedoc, one of the estate's crown jewels. It is produced from biodynamic farming and is highly praised for its finesse and complexity. This rare cuvée is often associated with meticulous work on the terroir.

Château l'Hospitalet: Another flagship estate of the winemaker, located in AOP La Clape, offering elegant, powerful, and refined wines made from local grape varieties. This wine perfectly embodies the identity of the Languedoc.

La Forge: A high-quality cuvée that represents the culmination of the estate’s expertise.

Philosophy:

Gérard Bertrand’s philosophy is based on a deep respect for the terroir and the environment. He seeks to reveal the full richness of the Languedoc grape varieties while respecting natural cycles. The estate also favors innovative winemaking techniques while remaining faithful to traditional practices. Special attention is given to creating high-quality wines that respect the typicity of the terroir.

Conclusion: The Gérard Bertrand Estate is an essential reference in the world of wine, blending tradition and innovation with a strong commitment to sustainability. Through his work on the terroir, his passion for biodynamics, and his exceptional know-how, Gérard Bertrand has created wines of great finesse and complexity that attract wine lovers worldwide.