Latest news with #GérardBertrand
Irish Examiner
3 days ago
- Business
- Irish Examiner
Wine with Leslie: Looking east to China for the future of wine
The world of wine is in a state of flux these days. Just this week it was announced that French supermarket wine sales were down by 5% and other European countries have reported similar drops. Maybe wine producers need to look beyond Europe to improve sales. I'm just back from a week tasting wines in the city of Yinchuan, capital of Ningxia Province in Western Central China (just south of Mongolia). This is the best-known Chinese wine region with grapes grown on sandy soils on the edge of the Gobi Desert. I was invited by the Concours Mondial Bruxelles, one of the world's most recognised wine competitions, now in its 32nd year. The Concours holds a few different competitions but the red and white competition is by far the largest; there were 7,165 wines from 49 countries tasted by 375 tasters from 56 countries. Wine is not universally drunk in China, of course (baijiu spirit is the alcohol of choice), but it is slowly gaining traction and wineries are popular wedding venues. Of all the different flights of wines my table tasted, the highest marks we gave were for Marselan wines from Ningxia. The wines were tasted blind and I would never have guessed they were Chinese. The quality was impressively consistent and the wines were supremely tasty with potential for ageing. Marselan is a Grenache-Cabernet crossing and works brilliantly in the high-altitude vineyards of Ningxia. Cabernet, Merlot, Riesling and Chardonnay are also worth trying, but it was fascinating to taste such good Marselan, a grape that has never excited me before. We visited several wineries with my favourite, perhaps, being the Silver Heights estate, a fine Marselan and some interesting natural and even qvevri wines. Recommendations today include an excellent red from Ningxia and two other wines with a vaguely 'eastern' influence that will suit our current weather. Gérard Bertrand Côte des Roses, Languedoc, France, €12 Gérard Bertrand Côte des Roses, Languedoc, France, €12 Dunnes Stores Bertrand is a superstar winemaker and this is a great price for a very elegant rosé. A blend of Grenache, Cinsault and Syrah from vineyards near Narbonne with influence from the Mediterranean Sea. In a gorgeous bottle, this pours a pleasing pale pink with light berry fruit aromas mixed with peach and apricot. Supple and fruity but with a dry finish with a bonus touch of ozone. Paparuda Pinot Noir, Cramele Recas, Romania, €13.95 Paparuda Pinot Noir, Cramele Recas, Romania, €13.95 JJ O'Driscolls; Mollys; Vintry; One of the very few Pinot Noirs under €15 that I'm happy to recommend, Recas often win medals at the CMB competition. Red fruit aromas plus blackberry and plum with a tinge of forest floor; ripe and juicy with some pleasing streaks of acidity, structure, and a touch of spice. Also watch for Reca, a similarly inexpensive and tasty Incanta Pinot Noir (1601, Menloe Stores). Kanaan Winery 'Pretty Pony', Ningxia, China 2019, €54.95 Kanaan Winery 'Pretty Pony', Ningxia, China 2019, €54.95 JJ O'Driscolls; Cinnamon Cottage; Drink Store; From the eastern foothills (1000m) of the Helan Mountains in Ningxia, just south of Mongolia. This is quite fascinating, a Cabernet Sauvignon-Merlot blend, reminiscent of fine Bordeaux but also quite different with a pleasing sweet-savoury complexity. Darkly fruited, juicy and supple, cooked plums and a touch of strawberry coulis, fine-tuned with elegance and length. Kanaan Riesling 2022 (€35) is also worth trying. Beer of the week Hofbräuhaus Natur Radler, 2.3% ABV, 500ml, €2.75 Hofbräuhaus Natur Radler, 2.3% ABV, 500ml, €2.75 Bradleys; Matsons; World Wide Wines; McHughs; Molloys; Independents The sun is out (mostly), there are plenty of warm days left, so time to stock up on Radler, the classic Bavarian summer drink. Ripe lemon and lemon zest aromas with a strong hit of lime, classic München helles lager coming through on the mid-palate and with a bitter lemon twist on the finish.
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Gérard Bertrand Wines Return to the amfAR Gala Cannes for the Fifth Consecutive Year
Prestigious biodynamic wines served at the iconic Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc on May 22, 2025 NARBONNE, France, May 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Gérard Bertrand is proud to renew his commitment to amfAR, The Foundation for AIDS Research, by supporting the amfAR Gala Cannes for the fifth consecutive year. On May 22, 2025, during the Cannes International Film Festival, two of Gérard Bertrand's flagship wines — Aigle Royal Pinot Noir 2021 (IGP Haute Vallée de l'Aude) and Cigalus Blanc 2023 (IGP Pays d'Oc) — were poured for guests attending one of the most celebrated philanthropic evenings in the world, held at the legendary Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc. The black-tie gala, hosted by Taraji P. Henson, featured performances by Duran Duran, Ciara, and Adam Lambert, and welcomed an A-list roster of international celebrities, fashion icons, and philanthropists, all gathered to support amfAR's life-saving biomedical research programs. "amfAR's mission is deeply meaningful to us. We are proud to contribute through the universal language of wine," said Gérard Bertrand. The two wines selected for the gala dinner embody the essence of Gérard Bertrand's biodynamic philosophy: Aigle Royal Pinot Noir 2021 – A high-altitude Pinot Noir grown in the Haute Vallée of the Languedoc, distinguished by its elegance, structure, and exceptional aromatic precision. Cigalus Blanc 2023 – A biodynamic white blend of Chardonnay, Viognier, and Sauvignon Blanc, offering complexity, freshness, and a sunlit Mediterranean signature. Gérard Bertrand joined this year's signature beverage partners — Beluga Vodka, Champagne Telmont, Dassai Sake, and RUMOR Rosé — in toasting the success of the 31st edition of the gala. Presented by Chopard, with signature sponsorship from La Première Air France and Kodiak Pictures, the evening also featured a live auction led by Simon de Pury and a curated fashion show by Carine Roitfeld with looks from the world's most iconic maisons. Since 1993, the amfAR Gala Cannes has raised over $297 million in support of groundbreaking AIDS research. About Gérard BertrandGérard Bertrand is a world-renowned winemaker and biodynamic pioneer in the South of France. With over 1,000 hectares of vineyards Demeter certified, the group produces some of the French's most celebrated wines, each reflecting a profound respect for nature, heritage, and the Mediterranean art de vivre. About amfARamfAR, The Foundation for AIDS Research, is one of the world's leading nonprofit organizations dedicated to the support of AIDS research, HIV prevention, treatment education, and advocacy. Since 1985, amfAR has raised more than $920 million and awarded over 3,800 grants to research teams worldwide. Contact: Photo - - View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE SPH Gérard Bertrand Sign in to access your portfolio
Cosmopolitan
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Cosmopolitan
An Honest Review of Château l'Hospitalet Hotel in France
Last summer, my BFF and I hit the South of France together for a once-in-a-lifetime stay at Château l'Hospitalet, a five-star hotel in Narbonne, France, during its annual Jazz Festival. Our four days at the iconic estate consisted of wine, wine tastings, a wine festival, and (unsurprisingly) some wine headaches. But hear me out: I would absolutely grunt through double the hangovers just to have a few more hours at this property, dancing under the disco-ball-lined treetops to live music all night long. It's gonna be pretty damn hard to top our experience. Every moment at Château l'Hospitalet was epic—from the vibrant energy of the Jazz Festival to the breathtaking views of the vineyards and incredible people we met from all over the world. Our stay was a non-stop celebration, and by the time it was over, we still weren't ready to leave. If you want a little taste of what we experienced, keep reading. I'm giving you a full review of the hotel and all the best things to do while you're there, below. BOOK A STAY After driving up the windy European roads, with vineyards extending as far as my eyes could see on either side, we reached the top of the hill where the charming Château l'Hospitalet hotel is perched. Immediately greeted by busy staff members preparing for night two of the hotel's 21st annual Jazz Festival, my friend and I gave each other a look, knowing that we were about to have a pretty incredible next few days. We walked into the lobby and were handed glasses of award-winning rosé made by Gérard Bertrand, the winemaker who owns the hotel (he's honestly a local celeb). From there, our bags were delivered to our room while we got a chance to explore the estate—complete with lush gardens, storybook views, and tranquil pools—before we got ready for the evening. For five nights in July, the hotel turns into a giant concert venue, bringing in people from around the world to watch top jazz artists perform. Guests can purchase tickets to attend whichever portion of the event they'd like (for example, you can go to a dinner, concert, or after-party), which makes it a great festival for all ages. We got to try out one of the Gala dinners, with an incredible menu curated by the hotel's chef and equally great wine pairings. Then, as the sun set after dinner, we made our way to the courtyard, where a giant stage was set up, and watched the singers. My favorite part? Every night has a different color theme, which makes everything look even more magical. The property is comprised of 41 rooms spread across the main property (the Château) and several private villas, with a pool overlooking the vineyards. We stayed on the second floor of the Château, in a luxurious two-story room with a comfy bed and a direct view of the main stage. The top level also had a dedicated loft area with a giant (giant!) jacuzzi prepped with everything you might need for a late-night, post-party relax session, like bubbles, jets, and wine. While the rooms are fabulous to unwind in, the estate was so beautiful that all we wanted to do was spend our time outdoors. During the days, when we weren't at the private beach club, l'Hospitalet Beach, my friend and I switched off between the main pool and the private pool at La Villa Soleilla, conveniently located next to Spa Soleilla. That's also where I got the most relaxing facial massage I've ever had, using products from my favorite French beauty brand, Biologique Recherche. (Case in point: I fell asleep mid-massage and woke up to glowing skin.) Though we didn't have time to use it, the property also has a great tennis court. As I mentioned, this wasn't a typical weekend at Château l'Hospitalet, so we ate all of our dinners outside at the Jazz Festival. That said, all meals were created by the hotel's head chef, Chef Laurent Chabert, at the on-site restaurant, L'Art de Vivre. Each course at the eatery is intended to pair perfectly with Gérard Bertrand's wines, and I must say the sommeliers and chefs succeeded. The dishes consisted mostly of seafood, cheeses, and local vegetables—all of which were so incredibly fresh. I'm not exaggerating when I say that my visit to Château l'Hospitalet was one of the top trips I've ever taken (and I travel a lot for work!). Though my friend and I are in our twenties and spent the majority of the time partying it up, I think the Jazz Festival would be an incredible experience for people of all ages. If you're looking for a summer event with fun themes, great company, and even better food and bev, I highly recommend visiting the hotel during the festival, in July. But if you're looking for a true R&R-type vacay, take advantage of the off-season or a casual summer weekend. If it isn't obvious, I will be making my return in the future—I haven't had enough of Château l'Hospitalet just yet.
Yahoo
02-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Renowned winemaker Gérard Bertrand unveils his latest book, Multidimensional Wine, available beginning April 2.
NARBONNE, France, April 2, 2025 /CNW/ -- In his book Multidimensional Wine Gérard Bertrand, a legendary figure in the world of wine, presents more than just an exploration of wine itself he offers an intimate journey into a life deeply entwined with the vine. As the proud inheritor of a winemaking legacy, Bertrand has built a global reputation by blending his family heritage with an ambitious goal to elevate the wines of Languedoc to the world stage. Bertrand invites readers to discover how he has managed to make a global impact while staying rooted in the traditions of his homeland, Corbières. A Unique and Authentic Perspective Multidimensional Wine is far from a technical guide to winemaking it's a personal odyssey, a fusion of expertise and sensory experience, with each page resonating like a note in a symphony Bertrand shares the secrets of his craft with remarkable honesty, reflecting on biodiversity, biodynamic viticulture, and the role of wine in contemporary society. His narrative captures the true essence of his work and his lifelong passion for wine. The Art of Blending, A Multidimensional Approach In Multidimensional Wine blending is elevated to an art form, serving as a profound metaphor for life and creation Gérard Bertrand likens the art of blending to ascending Everest, underscoring the complexity and magnificence of the process His evocative descriptions reveal his approach to selecting and harmonizing grape varieties, creating blends that unlock aromas and flavors that embody the unique essence of each vintage Each blend is a deep dive into the terroir, a celebration of teamwork in pursuit of perfect balance where every decision is rooted in expertise and a deep respect for nature. About the author, Gérard Bertrand Gérard Bertrand is a renowned winemaker committed to viticulture in harmony with nature. Over the past 35 years, he has transformed his family vineyard in the south of France into a global benchmark for excellence and biodynamics, elevating the wines of his region to rank among the world's finest. Gérard Bertrand is also the author of two previous books: Wine, Moon and Stars and Nature at Heart. About Origine Nature Origine Nature, part of the Gérard Bertrand group, is a publishing house dedicated to works on wine, gastronomy, Mediterranean culture, and southern terroir cuisine Multidimensional Wine is the first book of many, with future publications to come. For more information: CONTACT: Photo - - View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE SPH Gérard Bertrand View original content to download multimedia: Sign in to access your portfolio
