Gerard Bertrand Grand Terroir Les Aspres 2016
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Wine &
Spirits -
Robert
Parker
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Set in the Pyrenean foothills and under the shadow of the famous
Mont Canigou, Les Aspres is a benchmark cru in the Côtes du
Roussillon. Aspres means “arid” in Catalan, and this characterizes
this sun drenched terroir bordered by a landscape of garrigue and
alzina.
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Wine & Spirits
A blend of syrah, mourvèdre and grenache grown in the schist soils at the base of Mont Canigou, this smells like violets and rosemary in full bloom, with the scent of the sea in the background. A three-week maceration extracted dark depths of fruit flavor, with notes of licorice, herbs and salt playing up the plummy lushness. Ripe, mineral tannins give the wine shape, and hold the flavors long. Sumptuous and expansive.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
A blend of 50% Syrah, 40% Mourvèdre and 10% Grenache, two-thirds of the 2016 Grand Terroir les Aspres spent nine months in barrel (one-third new). It boasts resinous aromas of rosemary and lavender, lifted cherry fruit and a long, lingering cherry-stone finish. It's full-bodied and supple, with a creamy texture and plenty of concentration. It should drink well upon release and through 2025.
Rating: 90-92
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2014-
Wine
Enthusiast
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Robert
Parker
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Wine
Enthusiast
Gerard Bertrand was born and raised in the South of France. Making wine with his father, Georges, since the age of 10, Gerard Bertrand offers the full range and diversity of wines from the region – red, white, rose, varietal, appellation, estate, still, sparkling, and dessert.
Every wine evokes the image and emotions from the South of France; "Art de Vivre" – the "art of life." Committed to producing quality wines of great value, Gerard is hands on in every facet which bears his name… and has been fortunate to receive great accolades from World Wide press reinforcing his dedication.
With bold fruit flavors and accents of sweet spice, Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre form the base of the classic Rhône Red Blend, while Carignan, Cinsault and Counoise often come in to play. Though they originated from France’s southern Rhône Valley, with some creative interpretation, Rhône blends have also become popular in other countries. Somm Secret—Putting their own local spin on the Rhône Red Blend, those from Priorat often include Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. In California, it is not uncommon to see Petite Sirah make an appearance.
The Côtes du Roussillon-Les Aspres appellation, granted in 2004, covers the transitional area between the lower Pyrénées and the coastal Roussillon plain. While it is south of the Têt River, the region became part of the Villages encasement in 2017. Only red wines can claim the Côtes du Roussillon-Les Aspres appellation name; these are generally blends of Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre and sometimes Carignan. (No Cinsault or Lledoner Pelut are allowed.)