Le Viala 2017, Gerard Bertrand, Minervois La Lavinière

Zoom

Our Price:  £58.91Earn 58 Loyalty Points Bottle or Case:    Bottle:  £58.91  Case of 6:  £353.46  Case of 12:  £706.92 Producer:  Gerard Bertrand Grape Varieties:  Syrah 60%, Grenache 25%, Carignan 15% Optimum Drinking:  Within 15 years Wine Style:  Rich complex red Alcohol by Volume:  14.5% Closure:  Natural Cork Country:  France Availability:

Le Viala 2017, Gérard Bertrand, Minervois La Lavinière

Producer Note

Gérard Bertrand is one of the most outstanding winemakers in the South of France. A biodynamic pioneer, he owns numerous estates among the most prestigious crus of Languedoc-Roussillon. Formerly the IWC Red Winemaker of the Year and winner of Wine Enthusiast‘s European Winery of the Year, Gérard has been cited as the “King of the Languedoc” among critics. A benchmark in the Minervois, Le Viala comes from a small parcel of land at Château Laville Bertrou, in the exceptional terroir of the La Livinière appellation. La Livinière has been officially recognised since 1998. Gérard Bertrand acquired this distinctive plot of land in 1997. This wine combines power with elegance and shows complex notes of spice and the garrigue.

Vineyard

The Viala comes from a small parcel of land situated amongst the exceptional terroirs of the La Livinière appellation, known for its strong and powerful wines. The vineyard terrain is made up of a mosaic of stripped marlstone associated with chalky limestone. This compact limestone dates back to the Eocene period, formed millions of years ago. This type of soil naturally limits the growth of each grape, but due to a long settling period, there is a resistance to aquatic stress. The strong summer sun assists the slow maturation of the grapes.

Winemaking

The manual harvest followed very precise monitoring of the maturation of the grapes. After a meticulous sorting process, the Carignan and Syrah grapes were put in their entirety into vats and vinified separately by carbonic maceration. The Grenache was destemmed and vinified with traditional maceration under controlled temperatures. Following the alcoholic and malolactic fermentations, the different varieties were blended and the wine was aged in new 225 litre oak barrels for a minimum of 12 months. The wine was not fined or filtered prior to being bottle aged for 12 months.

Tasting Note

Powerful nose of blackberries and violets. On the palate, smooth tannins and subtle woody notes, beautifully balanced and an never ending finish. An extreme delicacy with a huge lasting potential.

Serving Suggestion

Best served at 16°C to accompany grilled red meats, game and fine cheese.

Grape

Syrah 60%, Grenache 25%, Carignan 15%