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
Established in 1992 by former French international rugby player Gérard Bertrand following the legacy of his father Georges at Domaine de Villemajou, the estate has emerged as an undisputed pioneer of fine wine in the Languedoc. Headquartered at the coastal Château l'Hospitalet within the limestone massif of La Clape, Bertrand orchestrates over 900 hectares of vineyard land across premium terroirs spanning Corbières, Minervois-La-Livinière, Terrasses du Larzac, and Limoux. The enterprise represents the world’s largest producer of Demeter-certified biodynamic wines, guided by regenerative viticulture, lunar cycles, and chemical-free soil stewardship. Cellar craftsmanship combines precise temperature control, indigenous ferments, and tailored French oak maturation to articulate South of France typicity. Benchmark releases range from iconic single-vineyard crus such as Clos d'Ora, Clos du Temple, and Cigalus to vibrant, terroir-driven white and red bottlings, alongside celebrated Mediterranean cuvées like Côte des Roses.