Domaine Bertrand-Bergé - Fitou Ancestrale 2020

Bettane & Desseauve

About the wine:

The usual qualities of the cuvée are present. After an ageing process that needs to mellow, we'll find a broad palette of flavors, from black fruits to delicate spices. This will be a model for the appellation.

About the domain :

Jérôme Bertrand's rigor and hard work on the fine terroirs of Paziols have made the Bertrand-Bergé domaine the model for the entire appellation. The entry-level red wines are affordable and exceed Fitou's quality standards. The unctuous cuvée Jean Sirven bears the name of the grandfather, who was already working for quality viticulture at the beginning of the last century. With its breed and density, this cuvée is now one of the finest in the South of France. An indispensable address.

Guide Hachette des vins

About the wine:

Mourvèdre adds its ardor to the classic fitou blend. The bouquet blends fruit, flowers and spices: prunes, peony, violet... A lovely symphony. The palate is lively, a reflection of this high-altitude land, the wood well controlled, letting jammy black fruit dominate, accompanied by notes of dried flowers and hazelnut. The finish lingers on a note of bitter orange.

About the domain :

Following in the footsteps of his grandfather Jean Sirven, who made his own wine in the late 19th century. Jérôme Bertrand left the cooperative in 1993 to make his own wines. He was an early believer in the quality of Fitou's rugged terroirs, nurturing and developing the wines of the region, and then elevating his 40-hectare estate to the ranks of the greats. Since the 2011 harvest, the vineyard has been certified organic.

RVF - La Revue du Vin de France / Guide des Meilleurs Vins de France

About the wine:

Ancestrale is well-balanced, with a smooth texture reminiscent of blueberry.

About the domain :

Located in Paziols, in the upper part of Fitou, on the border with the Pyrénées-Orientales, this estate has been part of the village for 6 generations. With the help of his sister and his wife Sabine, Jérôme cultivates around 40 hectares, divided into four islets, the main one being La Boulière, an area of rolled pebbles and crushed limestone. Initially dedicated to reds, this terroir has also been producing dry whites since the 2015 vintage. A cellar dating back to 1911 that's well worth a visit, with a range of wines that hit all the right notes. For those wishing to extend their stay in this wonderful setting, the estate offers gîtes and 4x4 tours of the vineyards.