Gerard Bertrand Corbieres 2011
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Wilfred Wong of Wine.com
Let's get real and drink a red wine that is at the top of it game. The fully satisfying 2011 Gerard Bertrand Corbieres takes this AOC way past what those northern French guys and those American babyboomers used to drink in the old days. So much beautiful fruit here, berries-a-plenty! Lush an almost round on the palate. Right now I am feeling like I need to grill a leg of lamb that has been infused with savory herbs, extra virgin olive oil and just crushed black peppercorns.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
A smoking value, the 2011 Corbieres Terroir offers pretty lead pencil, tobacco leaf and blackcurrant-styled aromas and flavors to go with a medium to full-bodied, rounded and supple profile on the palate. Showing more spice and cedar with air, this outstanding blend of Grenache, Syrah and Mourvedre, which spent 12 months in 40% new French oak, should drink nicely for 3-5 years, if not longer.
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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 Corbières AOC, established in 1985, is the largest in the Languedoc, and represents the South of France in transition. Though viticulture here dates back to the Romans, only within the last twenty years have Corbières wines begun to reclaim their reputation. Approved for reds, rosés, and whites, the region's vineyards cover a wide variety of elevations, soil types, and exposures. Hilly terrain and the Atlantic Cers wind moderate the Mediterranean heat, giving the wines balance and complexity; the best will go ten years or more in the cellar.
Reds represent 88% of the AOC’s production and are an assemblage of the sun-loving grapes of southern France. Carignan’s briars, Grenache’s berries, Syrah’s cherries and Mourvèdre’s plums allow for a wide range of styles, which are often influenced by the wild herbs of the garrigue. Corbières rosés, though only 9% of production, are serious wines and the small production of Rhône-variety whites are fresh and sea-influenced.
With eleven sub-appellations, Corbières is an AOC in the process of refinement. Corbières-Boutenac attained Cru status in 2005, one of only five in the Languedoc to achieve this highest ranking.