An 1130 Merlot
⏳ Drinking Window
2022 - 2026
🍽️ Food & Wine Pairings
Classic roasted poultry, grilled red meats, or Mediterranean vegetable stews.
✨ Technical Specifications
Gérard Bertrand's 'An 1130' Merlot is a tribute to the medieval heritage of the Languedoc, specifically referencing the year 1130, a key historical milestone in the construction and fortification of the iconic Cité de Carcassonne under the Trencavel dynasty. Sourced from the IGP Cité de Carcassonne, this wine benefits from a unique terroir where the warm Mediterranean sun meets cooling Atlantic winds. This climatic duality allows the Merlot grapes to ripen slowly and fully, retaining vibrant acidity alongside rich fruit flavors. The winemaking process emphasizes traditional maceration with careful temperature control, followed by partial aging in French oak barrels to soften the tannins. The result is a deeply colored, velvety red wine boasting expressive aromas of wild blackberries, ripe plums, and a touch of sweet spice, reflecting both the rugged beauty and the historical depth of its southern French terroir.
🍾 About the Producer
Founded by former international rugby player Gérard Bertrand in 1992, the Gérard Bertrand estate has grown from its family roots at Domaine de Villemajou into a global benchmark for the Languedoc-Roussillon region of France. Headquartered at Château l'Hospitalet within the coastal La Clape appellation, the producer champions biodynamic viticulture across hundreds of hectares of premium vineyard estates. With an unwavering commitment to biodiversity, terroir expression, and sustainability, Bertrand crafts an expansive portfolio spanning still, sparkling, and fortified wines. The estate is globally celebrated for ambitious cuvées such as Cigalus, Clos d'Ora, and Château l'Hospitalet, as well as pristine dry rosés, expressive varietal bottlings, and historic Vins Doux Naturels.