Winery of the Year – Gerard Bertrand

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Winery of the Year – Gerard Bertrand Written by Doug Werner & Kenneth Go Produced by Green’s Discount Beverages Fall 2015 Greenville (864) 297-6353 Myrtle Beach (843) 448-1623 Columbia (803) 744-0570 Columbia (803) 799-9499 445 Congaree Rd 2850 N. Kings Hwy. 4012B Fernandina Rd. 400 Assembly St. Greenville, SC 29607 Myrtle Beach, SC 29577 Columbia, SC 29212 Columbia, SC 29201 Ryan O’Hara Erin Hester Kurt Huffstetler (Wine Consultant) Kat Kaster (Wine Consultant) (Wine Consultant) (Sales Associate) Lindsay McKay Kelsey Vickers (Sales Associate) (Sales Associate) WINERY OF THE YEAR – GERARD BERTRAND European Winery of the Year – Wine Enthusiast Red Winemaker of the Year – International Wine Challenge The Gerard Bertrand wine company, our selection for Winery of the Year and helmed by its eponymous founder (who in a previous life as a rugby player represented France at the international level, and who in his current incarnation has been called the “Prince of the Languedoc” by wine writer Jancis Robinson), can be most accurately described as a consortium of estates within the Languedoc-Roussillon region of southern France, brought together over the course of a quarter century due to their representation of the Gerard Bertrand ethos. The ethos itself can be called, in Gerard Bertrand’s own words, the “Mediterranean Art de Vivre” (the Mediterranean Art of Living). The essence of this is actually quite simple, stemming from the deep conviction that the cultural riches of this man’s home region, as represented by the local wines from whose production he has been steeped in since childhood, are worthy of international standing. As such, the company touts four fundamental values – excellence, authenticity, conviviality, and innovation. In short…specific, meaningful quality across every level. The representation of Gerard Bertrand wines in our stores throughout the years attests to that. While the wines below span the entire spectrum of styles – from delicate roses to aromatic whites to rich reds – they are thus tied together. Green’s has selected 10 wines made from 11 different grape varieties made to enjoy during the hot weather. All were picked for their ability to refresh and entertain. Gerard Bertrand Picpoul de Pinet Gerard Bertrand Reserve Speciale 2014 Chardonnay 2013 Green’s Cash Sale Price: $10.99 Green’s Cash Sale Price: $9.99 This wine, crafted 100% from the Picpoul grape This ubiquitous grape variety stands out here by its variety, comes with a yellow hue and a shimmering noble aromas and the delicacy this iteration offers. quality. The intense, complex nose reveals notes of Fresh and flavorful, this 100% Chardonnay comes white and citrus fruit, honeysuckle and white flowers. from coastal vineyards and offers vibrant notes of Full-bodied and lively on the palate, it offers a crisp citrus, ripe apple and floral accents. An everyday freshness on the finish. The varietal showcased white, perfect for lighter dishes or as an aperitif. here is one of the more dynamic in the south of France, as greater legions discover the merits of this appellation. 10% discount with the purchase of 6 bottles or more (Mixed or Solid) greensbeverages.com Gerard Bertrand Cremant de Gerard Bertrand Minervois 2012 Limoux Rose “Jefferson Cuvee” Green’s Cash Sale Price: $12.99 Green’s Cash Sale Price: $14.99 An increasingly sought-after AOC from southern Crémant Thomas Jefferson Rosé boasts a beautiful, France, this version – a blend of Syrah & Carignan salmon-pink color and brilliant transparency. The – offers complex aromas of black fruit (black olives bubbles are delicate and there is vivacity on the and blackberry) that stem from the carefully palate, as well as a rich, indulgent texture. It features controlled extraction process during vinification. complex bouquet with long-lasting aromas of red Its full, rich body on the palate also paradoxically fruit (strawberry and raspberry), backed with hints imparts a sense of elegance and hence balance. The of toasted bread. The name stems from President bouquet lingers on to reveal finishing touches of Jefferson’s documented appreciation of this wine, which was in roasted coffee, blackcurrant and prunes. fact the only sparkling wine to be found in his personal cellar. Gerard Bertrand Hateau Gerard Bertrand Cote des Roses L’Hospitalet la Clape Blanc 2012 2014 Green’s Cash Sale Price: $17.99 Green’s Cash Sale Price: $14.99 “The Château l’Hospitalet Blanc, a blend of The complexion for one of our most popular roses traditional southern French varieties Bourboulenc, is a pale, brilliant pink, with blue tints that tend to Vermentino & Grenache Blanc, features a medium orange on the edges. The bouquet releases aromas golden color with green tints. Initial woody scents of summer fruits, cassis and redcurrant; floral notes of vanilla and mocha give way to notes of citrus, of rose petals alongside hints of grapefruit complete apricot and peach, finally rounding out to a honeyed the picture. The finish is light and fresh, offering finish. The concentration on the palate is balanced notes of rock candy. On the palate the impression by the brightness of this wine, further supported is relatively full-bodied, with strong persistence and by complex nuances of aniseed, mint, garrigue and balance. honeysuckle. Wonderfully elegant and composed, this cuvée has a depth of character that quite simply sets it apart.” Gerard Bertrand Reserve Speciale Rated 90 Points-Wine Spectator Pinot Noir 2013 Green’s Cash Sale Price: $9.99 As has been stated in these pages before, Pinot Noir is a fragile, demanding variety that is also capable of producing extremely fine red wines. Styles range from soft, fruit-centric wines which should be consumed during their youth, to more concentrated versions coaxed from low-yielding vines; for the latter, the wines gain in structure and aromatic complexity with time, alongside an ephemerally velvety texture. This 100% Pinot Noir comes from vineyards in the region’s coolest areas, as the vines are planted at higher altitude. The result is a forward wine in every sense - offering notes of ripe cherry, wild raspberry, earth and spices, with silky tannins and an elegant, balanced finish. 10% discount with the purchase of 6 bottles or more (Mixed or Solid) FALL 2015 • PAGE 2 Gerard Bertrand Corbieres 2011 Gerard Bertrand Banyuls 2009 Green’s Cash Sale Price: $11.99 Green’s Cash Sale Price: $19.99 “The classic blend of Grenache, Syrah, and “Banyuls wines, in a kaleidoscope of sea, mountains, Mourvedre…Full-bodied with keen acidity, first sunshine and wind, are above all wines for pleasure. impressions are nonetheless made through the The vines, open to the generous climate, produce deep, concentrated color. The complex aromas of expressive, quintessential, rich, powerful, elegant black fruit again come from the carefully controlled and aristocratic wines steeped in the warmth of extraction process within the greater one of the sun and the rusticity of the schist soils. The vinification, as well as from the exceptional ripeness character of the terroir and wines of Banyuls stems (but not over-ripeness) of the grapes. A wine of from the majestic Grenache grape variety.” distinctive character, with the classic profile of Gerard Bertrand brambly fruit, liquorice, and hints of spices & herbs.” Rated 90 Points from Wine Advocate Gerard Bertrand La Clape Grand Terroir 2011 Green’s Cash Sale Price: $14.99 “A blend of Syrah, Carignan, and Mourvedre. A ruby-red complexion with flashes of violet. The complex, aromatic bouquet here boasts aromas of red & dark fruits (blackberry, blackcurrant, cherry and redcurrant) and savory characteristics, which blend seamlessly with the toasted notes that mark its French oak barrel maturation. Supple and well- balanced on the palate, the concentration of fruit is given greater depth by the earth & leather elements of aging.” Rated 91 Points-Wine Spectator VISIT OUR WEBSITE greensbeverages.com Not responsible for typographical errors 10% discount with the purchase of 6 bottles or more (Mixed or Solid) FALL 2015 • PAGE 3 OUR SHIP HAS COME IN We’ve told many of our customers over the last two months that we were expecting an enormous shipment of wine from France. They’re here, and what a selection we have…all shipped in a special temperature controlled container to make absolutely sure extreme weather conditions didn’t affect their quality. It costs more to ship in a refrigerated container but you, our customers, are worth it. WHITE WINES: Château Smith Haut This is the perfect, easy drinking, summer wine. Blend of 45% Sauvignon Blanc, 45% Semillon and 10% Muscadelle.” Lafitte Le Petit www.thewinecellarinsider.com Blanc 2013 Green’s Cash Price: $31.99 Ronan by Clinet “I love the grapefruit and fennel character in this. Full and lively Bordeaux White with wonderful fruit and honey and 2013 apple character. This is from young Green’s Cash Price: $11.99 Sauvignon Blanc and old Sémillon Made by Ronan Laborde, vines.” owner of Pomerol superstar Rated 93 Points James Suckling Château Clinet…pale golden color with a platinum sheen. Château de Rayne Taste: pure and harmonious, with citrus shades, which are complemented by notes of Vigneau Sauternes cardamom and saffron, with a creamy texture and elegant finish. The wine has a seductive aroma with notes of caramel, lime 2010 blossom and ripe white fruit pulp. Green’s Cash Price: $19.99 A very fresh nose, both lively and intense. Instantly aromatic and reminiscent of Sirius AOC Bordeaux citrus fruit, especially grapefruit, closely White 2014 followed by fresh apricots. The touch is silky-smooth on the palate, and one finds Green’s Cash Price: $10.99 the full range of racy freshness that was noticeable on the nose. “Beautiful pale yellow with greenish It feels just as crisp as a fresh apricot. tints. Pleasant front-of-palate marked by fresh, powerful citrus and mango aromas.
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