An 1189
⏳ Drinking Window
2022 - 2026
🍽️ Food & Wine Pairings
Slow-roasted leg of lamb with rosemary, classic French cassoulet, or grilled beef ribeye with wild mushrooms.
✨ Technical Specifications
Named in honor of the year 1189, when the Bishop of Narbonne gifted the lands of what is now Château de l'Hospitalet to the Hospitallers of Saint-Jean de Jérusalem to establish a refuge for pilgrims, Gérard Bertrand's 'An 1189' is a liquid tribute to Languedoc's medieval heritage. This structured red blend is crafted primarily from Syrah, Grenache, and Mourvèdre, grown on sun-drenched, clay-limestone soils overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. The maritime breezes temper the intense southern sun, preserving freshness in the grapes. Traditional vinification followed by careful barrel aging yields a wine rich in dark berry fruit, garrigue herbs, and sweet spices, embodying the rugged elegance of the South of France.
🍾 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.