Gerard Bertrand

2022 Villa Soleilla

Vin de France
Roussanne, Vermentino, Viognier
Orange
Demeter certified

Each plot is vinified separately with an eye for detail and careful daily attention paid to every single step. The grapes are vatted as whole bunches to enable carbonic maceration in vats at a controlled temperature of 21 to 25°C to ensure perfect balance between tannins, acidity and aromas.
Then comes pressing. At this stage, a distinction is made between:
The free-run juices, which are placed in different French oak barrels using a nuanced selection of Allier and Vosges oak, with a light toast. They then complete the fermentation process, emphasising their tannic side as they do so. The press juices are placed in clay amphoras, glass amphoras and dual-material ovoid vats (stainless steel and wood). Here, the juices become silky, rounded and rich.
Appearance: a beautiful, clear, golden colour with delicate touches of light. 
On the nose, subtle aromas of Oriental tea, fragrant incense, citrus zest (mandarin) and acacia honey.
On the palate, a harmonious structure is balanced out well by notes of apricot, bitter orange, candied orgeat and salty, creamy butter notes. The finish reveals a pleasant, delicate salinity in keeping with the La Clape terroir, with quince and mineral touches. The wine is full and dense on the palate, with beautifully lingering aromas and a harmonious structure of tannins.
Ideally, it should be drunk at 14°C with stewed lamb and apricots, roasted vegetables with mild spices and fresh goat's cheese, or cow's or ewe's cheese matured over a long period.