Gerard Bertrand, Corbieres (Languedoc, France) 2009

Sep 19, 2012

By Gerald D. Boyd

 Like other appellations in the South of France, Corbieres, with more than 32,000 acres planted, is hoping that popular blends, like this GSM, will attract more international sales.  Betrand’s Corbrieres is 80% Syrah and Grenache, with 20% Mourvedre, aged for eight months in French oak barrels.  It has a very deep ruby color, dark fruit aromatics with herbal back notes, concentrated layered herbal flavors, dark chocolate, ripe berry, 13.34% alcohol and good length.   I also detected low levels of Brettanomyces in the nose that carried over to the flavor.  At low levels, “brett” can contribute to the flavors of a red wine.  The question is what level of brett is objectionable?

Country / Region

Languedoc, France

Appellation

Corbieres

Grape Variety

Color

Red

Vintage

2009

Score

87

Price

US $ 16.00

Producer

Gerard Bertrand