Gerard Bertrand - Château l'Hospitalet - Grand Vin Blanc 2018 La Clape

Gerard Bertrand - Château l'Hospitalet - Grand Vin Blanc 2018 La Clape (87 TSW)
Blend of Vermentino, Roussanne, Viognier and Bourboulenc.

When you followed my stories you might have seen I was several days visiting the Languedoc region and some estates of biodynamic winemaker Gerard Bertrand. This whte blend we tasted at the top of the hill where you can overlook the Mediterranean sea. Swipe to see these pictures.

Château l’Hospitalet stands just a hundred metres from the Mediteranean Sea, which it overlooks. The vineyard has exceptional climatic conditions: long sunshine hours, heat stored up during the day by the limestone and then released at night to warm the grapes, the Mediterranean Sea which tempers the effects of temperature variations, and the altitude which softens the summer heat-waves.
Two types of soil you can find in the vineyard. The marl-limestone soils at the foot of the cliff which are rich in fossils and provide water to the vines all year long despite the absence of summer rainfall; and the red Mediterranean soils formed on bluish grey compact chalk from the garrigue.

The grapes are picked by hand, and when they reach the winery undergo pneumatic pressing during which the press juices are separated. After static settling of the musts, the juice (100%) undergoes alcoholic fermentation in barrels (with temperature control to preserve the freshness and integrity of the aromas). Maturing is performed in barrels for 7 to 8 months through to the spring equinox, with regular stirring (for two months). After a light fining operation the wine is bottled.

My tasting notes:

In the glass a pale citrus yellow color with golden reflections.
On the medium nose aromas of citrus, peach and pear with hints of hazelnuts, light vanilla and butter.
On the palate dry, medium+ bodied with medium acidity and nice freshness. Flavours of white fruits, white pepper with a mineral undertone. Nice long aftertaste with light almond notes.