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

Characteristics and tasting notes for Château L'Hospitalet "Grand Vin" 2019 by Gérard Bertrand

Tasting

Appearance
The wine displays a brilliant ruby colour of remarkable intensity, its visual depth a testament to its concentration.

Nose
The nose opens with a complex bouquet of ripe red fruit, with notes of strawberry and raspberry, accompanied by black fruit such as plum and blueberry. Aromas of peppery spice and cinnamon mingle with hints of Mediterranean garrigue, evoking thyme and rosemary. Smoky, lightly toasted touches add a further dimension to the aromatic profile.

Palate
On the palate, the wine reveals an ample structure and a silky texture. The tannins are refined and elegant, gently coating the palate. The fruit unfolds generously, with flavours of stewed fruit and sweet spices. The balance between power and freshness is remarkable, leading to a lingering finish with warm notes of black fruit and plum.

Food and wine pairings
This red wine from the Languedoc is a perfect match for grilled red meats, roast lamb with herbes de Provence and slow-cooked dishes such as rabbit chasseur. It also pairs 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 approximately 15 to 20 years. It is best served at a temperature of 16 to 18°C.

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

The estate
Gérard Bertrand represents the fourth generation of a winegrowing family rooted in the Languedoc since 1920. Born in 1965, he took over the family estate in 1987 at the age of 22, while pursuing a career as a professional rugby player 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, earning Demeter certification. In 2024, Gérard Bertrand was named International Wine Entrepreneur of the Year, an accolade that recognises his role as an ambassador for the wines of the Languedoc and the Mediterranean art de vivre.

The vineyard
Château l'Hospitalet covers 1,000 hectares at the heart of the protected La Clape nature park, between Narbonne and the Mediterranean, 82 hectares of which are planted with vines. The plots selected for the Grand Vin enjoy an exceptional terroir of limestone and marl soils enriched with clay. Lying at an altitude of around one hundred metres, the vineyard benefits from a sunny Mediterranean climate, tempered by sea breezes that preserve the freshness of the grapes. The vines have been farmed biodynamically and certified by Demeter since 2017, fostering biodiversity and the authentic expression of the La Clape terroir.

The vintage
The 2019 vintage enjoyed favourable weather conditions that allowed the grapes to ripen optimally under the generous Mediterranean sun, while retaining the balance and freshness essential to crafting a great wine.

Vinification and ageing
The grapes destined for Château L'Hospitalet "Grand Vin" 2019 are harvested by hand at optimal ripeness. After rigorous sorting, the different grape varieties are vinified separately in vats. A portion of the Syrah is vinified as whole bunches to bring complexity and structure. Maceration lasts 20 to 25 days, allowing 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 lees stirring. The final blend is assembled after ageing, drawing on the finest barrels to create this grand vin.

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