Domaine Bertrand-Bergé - Fitou Ancestrale 2021

Jérôme Bertrand’s dedication and hard work on the beautiful terroirs of Paziols have made the Bertrand-Bergé estate the benchmark for the entire appellation. The entry-level red wines are affordably priced and exceed Fitou’s quality standards. The velvety Jean Sirven cuvée is named after the grandfather, who was already dedicated to quality winemaking at the beginning of the last century. Today, this cuvée stands out among the elite of the South’s greatest wines thanks to its elegance and depth. A must-visit in Languedoc.

This wine, aged for 12 months in barrels, boasts a deep garnet color and reveals an intense, complex bouquet of forest floor, leather, violets, black fruits, and licorice. A supple attack gives way to a harmonious, round palate with well-integrated tannins and a long, fruity finish.

Following in the footsteps of his grandfather Jean Sirven, who produced his own wine in the late 19th century, Jérôme Bertrand left the cooperative in 1993 to make his own wines. He believed early on in the quality of Fitou’s rugged terroirs, cultivated and promoted the region’s wines, and then elevated his estate (40 ha) to the ranks of the greats. Since the 2011 harvest, the vineyard has been certified organic.

Better suited to the palate of a discerning taster, Ancestrale offers the delicious vibrancy of radiant fruit, complemented by deep, sensual, and fresh tannins.

Located in Paziols, in the upper part of Fitou, near the Pyrénées-Orientales, this estate has been part of the village for six generations. Jérôme, supported by his sister and his wife Sabine, cultivates about forty hectares, divided into four plots, the main one being La Boulière, a locality characterized by a mix of rounded pebbles and crushed limestone. Originally dedicated to red wines, this terroir also shines in dry white wines. The 1911 cellar is well worth a visit. For those who wish to extend their stay in this wonderful setting, the estate offers vacation rentals as well as 4x4 tours through the vineyards.