Piquepoul has been around since before the reign of Louis XIV, but in 1618 the botanist Magnol described it as one of the most renowned grape varieties in Languedoc in his work Sylve Plantarium. This wine has a pale yellow colour with hints of green. Deliciously fresh on the palate with beautiful notes of lemon and an invigorating finish.

In order to minimise the risk of oxidation, the grapes are harvested at the time of day when the temperatures are coolest (night and early morning) and taken to the cellar as quickly as possible. The bunches are immediately pressed in a pneumatic press. The must is then put into fermentation, which takes place at low temperatures (16 and 18°) to preserve the aromas as much as possible. The wine is matured in stainless steel tanks on fine lees before being bottled in the spring.

Gerard Bertrand is synonymous with Southern France. Owner of 16 estates, including the inimitable Chateau l’Hospitalet, he is a pioneer of biodynamic viticulture in quality winemaking, and has been devoted to biodynamics since 2002.

He holds the belief that viticulture in harmony with nature is the best way to express terroir in the wine. Although Gerard officially joined the family business in 1987, his journey started much earlier than that, as he worked with his father Georges from 1975 onwards. Gerard credits his father as a pioneer, saying that he was one of the first people to believe in the potential of the region and wanting to reveal the terroir. At the heart of the business is a family, with the fourth generation getting ready to step up to the plate.

It is no surprise that Gerard Bertrand is often seen as the king of Southern France: with 16 estates in the group, including the most prestigious crus of the Languedoc region, he is in a prime position to produce some of the most premium wine.

This wine pairs wonderfully with shellfish, crustaceans and fish.