🍷 Cigalus Rouge – Gérard Bertrand

Seven grape varieties united in a distinctive Languedoc signature

With Cigalus Rouge, Gérard Bertrand explores an original alliance between Bordeaux grape varieties and Mediterranean varieties. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah, in particular, contribute to the personality of this cuvée, crafted around a rigorous selection of grapes. From a vineyard managed using biodynamic methods, it benefits from particularly careful ageing, with new barrels selected according to the characteristics of the vintage. An ambitious creation that illustrates the estate's desire to push the boundaries of traditional Languedoc blends.

🔍 Key characteristics:

• Name: Cigalus Rouge

• Appellation: IGP Pays d'Oc

• Producer: Gérard Bertrand – Domaine de Cigalus

• Vintage: 2018

• Wine region: Languedoc – Aude

• Country: France

• Colour: Red

• Grape varieties: Blend of Bordeaux and Mediterranean grape varieties

• Alcohol content: 14.5% ABV. 

• Viticulture: Biodynamic farming – Demeter certification

👁️ Wine profile:

• Appearance: Intense ruby with mahogany highlights.

• Nose: A concentrated bouquet of ripe black fruits, notably blackberry, black cherry and plum, accompanied by grilled spices and notes of toasted oak.

• Palate: Full and generous, revealing an opulent texture supported by velvety tannins. The black fruits are extended with grilled nuances and a touch of menthol, leading to a long and persistent finish.

🍽️ Food and wine pairings:

Its aromatic richness and structure make it an excellent partner for generous cuisine:

• Roast beef rib

• Herb-crusted rack of lamb

• Duck breast with mushrooms

• Sauced guinea fowl

• Roast game

• Comté or aged Cantal cheese

Our suggestion: A roasted rack of lamb accompanied by a reduced herb jus. The richness of the meat matches the wine's texture, while the grilled and spicy notes extend the flavours of the dish.

🕰️ Consumption and service:

• Serving temperature: Around 16°C.

• Preparation: Open one to two hours before the meal to enhance the expression of its aromas.

• Tasting: Enjoy after appropriate aeration to fully appreciate its aromas of ripe fruit, grilled notes and velvety texture.

🌿 Terroir and expertise:

Located near Bizanet in the Aude, Domaine de Cigalus benefits from a warm and sunny Mediterranean climate. Its deep soils, notably composed of sediments deposited by the Aussou stream and slightly calcareous sandstone subsoil, support the ripening of the grapes.

The plots are regularly monitored and the grapes are sorted if necessary. After alcoholic fermentation, the wines are aged in new 225-litre barrels, with a selection of coopers and toasting levels adapted to the vintage. 

The blend is then followed by at least one year of ageing in the bottle before being released.

Gérard Bertrand began converting part of the vineyard to biodynamic methods in 2002, with particular attention paid to yield control and berry ripeness.