PRESS KIT 2017 EDITION

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L ART DE VIVRE LES VINS DU SUD DE LA FRANCE From savoirfaire to faire savoir To succeed in Languedoc, you need a clear understanding of the region and its visible or notsovisible potential, like in

3 L ART DE VIVRE LES VINS DU SUD DE LA FRANCE From savoirfaire to faire savoir To succeed in Languedoc, you need a clear understanding of the region and its visible or notsovisible potential, like in Tautavel or La Livinière, where we have been pioneers. You need a clear strategy: to become the leader in super premium wines in the South of France. Gérard Bertrand Summary Gérard B ertrand Gérard B ertrand Wines: Excellence & Innova tion Among the W orld s Greatest W ines The commitm ent to biodiversity Selected excerpts Gérard B ertrand Esta tes Conta ct 3

Gérard Bertrand Gérard Bertrand, a story of passion from rugby to winemaking Very attached to the values of performance and excellence which guided him on the field, Gérard Bertrand keeps aiming to

4 Gérard Bertrand Gérard Bertrand, a story of passion from rugby to winemaking Very attached to the values of performance and excellence which guided him on the field, Gérard Bertrand keeps aiming to perfection in each of his 14 estates. In that spirit, he took over the Domaine de Villemajou after the early demise of his father in In 1992, he created the Gérard Bertrand Wines company, which took over the Domaine de Cigalus, Château Laville Bertrou and Domaine de l Aigle in the following years. Purchasing Château l Hospitalet in 2002 allowed Gérard Bertrand to take on a new dimension: more than an exceptional estate overlooking the sea, L Hospitalet, company headquarters, is completely dedicated to the Mediterranean Art de Vivre. Now owner of 14 estates on the most beautiful terroirs of Languedoc, Gérard Bertrand has the ambition to reveal their potential, to be the ambassador of the South of France around the world, and to be the leader of the region s super premium wines. Chronology of the man & the group In 1975, Georges Bertrand started initiating his son Gérard to the harvest techniques in Villemajou, a unique terroir in the Corbières area. Gérard Bertrand inherited his father s passion for wine and his love for the Languedoc region. Gérard Bertrand already knew as a child he would be a winemaker and a leader who will carry on the tradition and pioneering spirit of his father. Before becoming a winemaker and a successful businessman, Gérard Bertrand played rugby at the highest competitive level. He reached the peak of his career in 1993 as Captain of the Stade de France s team Born on January, 27 th, in Narbonne (Aude) st harvest at Domaine de Villemajou 1984 Starts a promising rugby career 1987 Starts working in August at Villemajou with his father, who passes away in October Creation of the Gérard Bertrand Wines company Captain of the Stade Français rugby team 2002 He takes over Château l Hospitalet, and starts developing a wine tourism activity around the estate 2007 Purchase of Domaine de l Aigle in Roquetaillade, near Limoux Purchase of Château Aigues Vives, in Corbières and Corbières Boutenac Purchase of Château La Sauvageonne in Terrasses of Larzac The group is awarded European winery of the year by the Wine Enthusiast in the US and Gérard Bertrand receives the Best Red Winemaker Trophy at the International Wine Challenge. He takes over management of Château La Soujeole in AOP Malepère 2014 Gérard Bertrand takes over management of Château des Karantes and Château de Tarailhan in appellation La Clape and reveals Clos d Ora, Grand Cru of Languedoc 2015 Launch of the book Wine, Moon and Stars, an insight into Gérard Bertrand s reflexion on biodynamics Official opening of Cap Insula, ecodesigned winery 2016 Renovation of the Domaine de la Soujeole wine cellar 2017 Acquisition of Château des Deux Rocs and Domaine du Temple (60 hectares in the Cabrières Appellation). Acquisition of the Domaine de l Estagnère in IGP Cité de Carcassonne. 4

Gérard Bertrand Gérard Bertrand s regional anchors Gérard Bertrand s wines share a common identity: a true well balanced and elegant expression of the South of France, and the ability to satisfy the

The doves drinking from the cup represent a key symbol for sharing and experiencing. The Alpha and Omega, beginning and end, represent the natural cycle of the vines, renewing every year.

5 Gérard Bertrand Gérard Bertrand s regional anchors Gérard Bertrand s wines share a common identity: a true well balanced and elegant expression of the South of France, and the ability to satisfy the expectations of various consumers. The Visigoths cross dates back from the 7th century and is the emblem of Gérard Bertrand wines. The doves drinking from the cup represent a key symbol for sharing and experiencing. The Alpha and Omega, beginning and end, represent the natural cycle of the vines, renewing every year. This cross is in fact the first version of what was to become many centuries later the Languedoc cross. The South of France DNA throughout the world Reveal the potential of the South of France wines around the world and become the leader in super premium w ines of the region. Values Gérard Bertrand defines wine as an element of conviviality, and a potential vector of pleasure, emotion, or message. Gérard Bertrand Group centers its activities on 4 fundamental values : excellence, innovation, naturality & conviviality. Surface area: 820 hectares 600 of which cultivated or currently in conversion to biodynamics Staff: More than 2 00 employees working at Château l Hospitalet & at the estates Sales: 109 Million made in 160 countries Estates: 14 estates in Languedoc Roussillon Cooperation policy: The company develops close partnerships with local wineries and winemakers in Languedoc Roussillon. The Tautavel range was created with the same objective of revealing the true potential of this exceptional cru from the south of France 5

6 Art de Vivre & Conviviality Since its first edition in 2004, t he Jazz à l Hospitalet festival has become a major musical event. In 2017, in line with the celebration of the 30 years of the Gerard Bertrand brand, the Jazz à l Hospitalet featured an impressive all star lineup. For five days, Château l Hospitalet hosted the greatest French and In ternational artists for outdoor dinners and show s. The Estate s courtyard offered a unique and intimate setting for the shows, with 1400 people at most in the au dience. 2 outdoors SHOWS every night 1400 AUDIENCE every night a GALA DINNER before each show 150 partner COMPANIES 40 different NATIONALITIES in the audience 1 EXCEPTIONAL setting Imany Jersey Julie Band 26 Juillet Norah Jones Lady Black Bird 27 Juillet Zucchero Version Originale 28 Juillet Ben L Oncle Soul Andy Rey y su Jaleo 29 Juillet George Benson Hum 30 Juillet 6

Gérard Bertrand Wines: Excellence & Innovation Excellence & Innovation Gérard Bertrand wines reflect the

company, for all consumers, through a range of wines based on 4 consumption angles: The experience of

terroirs A journey through the AOCs of Languedoc The garanteed pleasure Innovation in varietal wines Our

estates, made from vineyards, which were chosen amongst the most beautiful Languedoc terroirs.

Blanc (AOP La Clape), embody the identity of the region s typical AOP, IGP and grape varieties.

portrayed today by several projects: the making of quality wines, organic and/or sulfitefree, or

7 Gérard Bertrand Wines: Excellence & Innovation Excellence & Innovation Gérard Bertrand wines reflect the diversity and richness of Languedoc Roussillon terroirs and the high quality & innovation level of the company, for all consumers, through a range of wines based on 4 consumption angles: The experience of emotion The Grands Vins & Parcelles The culture of flavours Fortified Wines & Sparklings The talents of terroirs A journey through the AOCs of Languedoc The garanteed pleasure Innovation in varietal wines Our Grands Vins & Parcelles : Excellence & Authenticity Gérard Bertrand created exceptional wines on each of his estates, made from vineyards, which were chosen amongst the most beautiful Languedoc terroirs. These vineyards, selected for their ampelographic and climatic situations, represent the quintessence of the Languedoc terroir. Here, the Clos d Ora (MinervoisLa Livinière), Cigalus (IGP Aude Hauterive), Château l Hospitalet Grand Vin Blanc (AOP La Clape), embody the identity of the region s typical AOP, IGP and grape varieties. Innovation & Authenticity, vectors of conviviality Innovation is a keyword for the Gérard Bertrand group, portrayed today by several projects: the making of quality wines, organic and/or sulfitefree, or biodynamically grown, for all consumers (Autrement, Naturae, Réserve Spéciale ranges, etc ). Innovation also implies beautiful bottle designs, such as the Côte des Roses range for instance, which allies esthetically creative packaging with content excellence. 7

Among the World s Greatest Wines Many medals,

in respect of the terroirs and vineyards they

Gérard Bertrand is thus honored each year at

ceremonies, such as: A few trophies : Best

l A nnée) 2015 by French specialists Bettane &

Red Winemaker 2012 by the Wine Spectator

8 Among the World s Greatest Wines Many medals, 90+ grades, trophies & awards regularly reward Gérard Bertrand wines, attesting to the qualitative appreciation given to the products, in respect of the terroirs and vineyards they come from. Gérard Bertrand is thus honored each year at the main French and International reward ceremonies, such as: A few trophies : Best Signature Of The Year ( Meilleure Signature de l A nnée) 2015 by French specialists Bettane & Desseauve, along with many other awards Best Red Winemaker 2012 by the Wine Spectator European Winery of the Year 2012 by the Wine Enthusiast, in New York Gérard Bertrand received the Trophy for Responsible Leadership 2017 in the Societal category, awarded by the French press group, Les Echos 8

The commitment for biodiversity Protecting the environment sustainably, restoring harmony and balance to our ecosystems, promoting precision in winegrowing techniques and reaching out to future

Biodynamics: a strong commitment to Nature Precociously convinced that the culture of the vine in harmony with nature was the best way to reveal the specificity of a terroir and create great wines,

9 The commitment for biodiversity Protecting the environment sustainably, restoring harmony and balance to our ecosystems, promoting precision in winegrowing techniques and reaching out to future generations, these are today s key issues and our duties for tomorrow. Biodynamics: a strong commitment to Nature Precociously convinced that the culture of the vine in harmony with nature was the best way to reveal the specificity of a terroir and create great wines, Gérard Bertrand committed in 2002 to biodynamics at Domaine de Cigalus, in Bizanet (Aude). This specific form of farming only provides the earth and plant with what it needs, when it needs it. Today, Domaine de Cigalus and Château la Sauvageonne are both Demeter certified (Global Biodynamics Certifying Organization). By the year 2020, all of the 800 hectares owned by Gerard Bertrand will be farmed biodynamically (in 2017, 600 hectares already are). A healthy vineyard, a preserved environment, balanced wines, vibrant with the intensity of the terroir demonstrate the relevance of this approach. Commitment to the protection of Biodiversity The group pursues its commitment to a sustainable development policy, crossing an important step with carrying out a carbon footprint. This voluntarist policy, propelled by Gérard Bertrand and shared by his employees, is a response to the growing expectation of the consumers and the planetary necessity to reduce the harmful effects of the greenhouse gas emission on the climate. Furthermore, Gérard Bertrand contributes with Yann Arthus Bertrand of the Good Planet Foundation, to the agroforestry project «Objectif arbres» ( Trees Goal) in Languedoc Roussillon. Gérard Bertrand also received the Trophy for Responsible Leadership 2017 in the Societal category, awarded by the French press group, Les Echos. Leading environment friendly agricultural methods Establish partnerships with organic winegrowers Act for the preservation of the landscapes and wine terroirs Support of Agroforestry with the Good Planet Foundation 9

Selected excerpts The art of blending Gérard Bertrand, CEO The winemaking process is adapted to suit the particular characteristics of each vintage.

is likely to evolve, says Gérard Bertrand, winemaker and CEO of the Group, who applies the basics of his art in his six estates.

10 Selected excerpts The art of blending Gérard Bertrand, CEO The winemaking process is adapted to suit the particular characteristics of each vintage. At various stages in the production process, winetasting sessions are organized to set the ideal moment for running the wine off from the vats and to get the blend right with an eye on how the wine is likely to evolve, says Gérard Bertrand, winemaker and CEO of the Group, who applies the basics of his art in his six estates. Aged to perfection JeanBaptiste Terlay, Head Winemaker The team working with Gérard Bertrand is very attentive. The grapes are monitored by a precise analysis of polyphenol content in the laboratory. However, we are convinced that the palate is always more accurate, so we taste the grapes from each parcel of every vineyard to assess their ripeness before setting the dates for harvesting, explains JeanBaptiste Terlay. That way, the grapes are always picked at their optimal phenolic ripeness level, and that is an essential condition to produce fullbodied, silkysmooth wines. 10

Gérard Bertrand Estates 14 estates, Gems of the Languedoc terroirs Languedoc Roussillon is a historical wine producing region, long cherished by Cesar who used to dote the wine as a reward to his

11 Gérard Bertrand Estates 14 estates, Gems of the Languedoc terroirs Languedoc Roussillon is a historical wine producing region, long cherished by Cesar who used to dote the wine as a reward to his best troops». Although the region was long set back from French winemaking recognition, Gérard Bertrand started to invest in order to show the world the great quality and typicality of premium selected wines of his native land. After a very long research for utmost expression of the terroirs (land, climate and grape varieties), Gérard Bertrand has put Languedoc on the map. The current 800 hectares of vines give full representation of Languedoc multiple terroirs, thus creating a greater freedom to segment the offer to the world. This is how the Gérard Bertrand estates are divided: The imprint of biodynamics Biodynamics is a strong value of the group, and an expression of a deep respect for the environment and the terroir. The basis of this farming method is the use of compost and biodynamized preparations with medicinal plants instead of chemical treatments. Biodynamics take into account every natural element around the vine. A global reference in biodynamic farming Domaine de Cigalus was the first to be converted to biodynamics, step by step. Château La Sauvageonne (Terrasses du Larzac) and Château l Hospitalet (La Clape) took advantage of this expertise. Clos d Ora (La Livinière) is its quintessence. This year, over two thirds of the vineyards is cultivated using biodynamic techniques. In the next five years, Gérard Bertrand plans on extending biodynamics to all of his estates, to the benefit of nature, of his staff, and of the worldwide wine consumer. 11

Gérard Bertrand Estates Domaine de Villemajou: The original vineyard THE STORY This property bought in 1970 by Georges Bertrand is also the family home where father and son shared their passion for

On the death of his father, Gérard Bertrand took over the reins of the business, upholding the traditions of quality and expression of terroir with a desire to create and innovate, to keep in tune

12 Gérard Bertrand Estates Domaine de Villemajou: The original vineyard THE STORY This property bought in 1970 by Georges Bertrand is also the family home where father and son shared their passion for wine for more than fifteen years. On the death of his father, Gérard Bertrand took over the reins of the business, upholding the traditions of quality and expression of terroir with a desire to create and innovate, to keep in tune with the demands of wine consumers all over the world. TERROIR The terroir of Villemajou is composed of pebbles. The climate is hot and influenced by the Mediterranean. VARIETALS The estate is mainly planted with Carignan and Syrah with some plots being over 100 years old. A typical Languedoc grape, Carignan reaches full ripeness every year. Domaine de Villemajou, situated in the inland region of the terroir of Boutenac in Corbières, is a special place for Gérard Bertrand. As the family home and estate, Villemajou is the true spearhead of the Boutenac Premier Cru appellation, a Corbières rank recognized by the INAO (Institut national des appellations d origine National Institute for Appellations of Origin). This estate stands out for its very old Carignan vines, a Mediterranean grape variety reinstated in the art of crafting great Languedoc wines. Villemajou wines are fruity, spicy and, even when very young, they have silky and incredibly fine tannins. LA FORGE The specifically designated parcel of land for this wine comes from behind the Miocene, situated on the unique and limited place name La Forge, named by the land registry, was Georges Bertrand s favourite. Today, the iconic eponym red wine is recognized throughout the world for its excellence Clos d Ora : Peace, Love, Harmony THE STORY This vineyard of nine hectares enclosed by dry stone walls is located at La Livinière in the Minervois, at an altitude of 220 metres. Discovered by Gérard Bertrand in 1997, the estate has been meticulously cared for until it was time for its first vintage to be revealed in TERROIR Clos d'ora is at the convergence of two distinct terroirs Bartonian and Lutetian and is composed of chalk, sandstone and marl soils. VARIETALS Syrah and Mourvèdre were planted alongside the ancient Carignan and Grenache, uniting the typical Languedoc varieties to create the ultimate Languedoc Cru. Here, the vine, the olive tree and the oak compose the Mediterranean trinity. In 2000, were planted Syrah and Mourvèdre alongside the ancient Carignan and Grenache. At the highest point of the estate we renovated an old sheep farm, creating a fermenting room, a barrel cellar and also a meditation area. The fermenting room was built outdoors to favour cosmic influences. The barrel cellar radiates a strength and tranquility that are beneficial to the ageing of this wine. At Clos d Ora, we have opted for Biodynamic methods in working the vines, using the horse and the mule to foster connections between mineral, vegetable, animal and human. Here, nature renders us humble and time stands still. Ora is Latin for prayer and it also signifies the link between the alpha and the omega, the beginning and the end, symbolized by the Visigoth cross created in Languedoc in the 7th century. 12

Gérard Bertrand Estates Château l Hospitalet : Hotel & Winetourism complex at the heart of the Massif de la Clape Located between land and sea, château l Hospitalet is the jewel of the

With its 38 roomed 3star hotel, its restaurant (2 Toques by Gault&Millau), its tasting cellar and wine shop, along with plenty of winetourism activities, this center for Art de Vivre is utterly

13 Gérard Bertrand Estates Château l Hospitalet : Hotel & Winetourism complex at the heart of the Massif de la Clape Located between land and sea, château l Hospitalet is the jewel of the LanguedocRoussillon. A renowned wine estate with a hotel concept that is unique for the region, Château l Hospitalet offers a special experience in the art the wines of the South. With its 38 roomed 3star hotel, its restaurant (2 Toques by Gault&Millau), its tasting cellar and wine shop, along with plenty of winetourism activities, this center for Art de Vivre is utterly charming. TERROIR The plots are situated on shale soils rich in mineral elements or on very poor and dry limestone soils. Depending on the vintage, the two types of soil are capable of producing grapes which make great wines. The climate is hot, with humidity brought in by the Mediterranean Sea. VARIETALS The estate is planted with grape varieties typical to the Languedoc. For the reds, Syrah, Carignan, Grenache, Mourvèdre (Mataro) and for the whites, Chardonnay, Bourboulenc, Roussane. THE STORY Château l Hospitalet is located in La Clape, which, in Roman times, was an island between Narbonne and the Mediterranean. The estate covers 1,000 hectares of garrigue, encircling and protecting the vineyards within the exceptional terroir of the AOC La Clape. Optimal natural conditions come together here, perfect for crafting great wines. In 2002 Gérard Bertrand realized his dream and acquired this property, one of the jewels of southern viticulture, in the unique La Clape massif. Chateau l Hospitalet also receives the cultural highpoint annual international Jazz Festival as well as the Harvest Celebration and the Truffle Fest, both impacting events around gastronomy, music and the culture of the vine. Domaine de Cigalus : our pioneer biodynamic estate THE STORY With the purchase of Domaine de Cigalus in 1995, Gérard Bertrand finally found the terroir he had been searching for. A terroir where noble grape varieties, both red and white, can express themselves in an exceptional and original way while still preserving a Mediterranean authenticity, the very identity of Languedoc wines. Taking the quality approach to the extreme, Gérard Bertrand decided to adopt biodynamic methods. In 2010 the estate was awarded the Demeter label. TERROIR The terroir at Domaine de Cigalus is composed of a siltclay soil with a subterranean slab of limestone. The 75 hectares of vines form a single plot surrounding the estate. The climate is similar to that of Corbières, hot and yet not arid. Domaine de Cigalus is the result of a desire to create a viticultural world apart. The Mediterranean influence of the area is reflected in the estate s name. The vines totally surrounding the property only add to the magic and unique aspect of this estate. VARIETALS The 75 hectares of the estate are planted with Chardonnay, Viognier and Sauvignon for the whites, along with Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Syrah, Grenache, Carignan and Caladoc for the reds. Noble grape varieties which can express themselves in an exceptional and original way while preserving a Mediterranean authenticity. 13

Gérard Bertrand Estates Domaine de l Aigle : exceptional freshness and minerality TERROIR Domaine de l Aigle has chalkyclay soil and benefits from a very particular climate with lots of humidity

THE STORY Domaine de l Aigle, located around the picturesque village of Roquetaillade, near Limoux at the foot of the Pyrenees, is one of the highest vineyards Languedoc, at an altitude of about 500

Domaine de l Aigle produces wines with the exceptional freshness and minerality of the LanguedocRoussillon.

The beneficial effect is to delay the harvest by more than a month compared with the coast or the plain, and it also preserves the aromas of the grapes as well as giving the wine a durability beyond

VARIETALS The two main grape varieties are Chardonnay and Pinot Noir and are particularly well adapted to the climate which is comparable to that of the Burgundy region.

14 Gérard Bertrand Estates Domaine de l Aigle : exceptional freshness and minerality TERROIR Domaine de l Aigle has chalkyclay soil and benefits from a very particular climate with lots of humidity brought in by oceanic influences. Some plots are at altitudes of 503m. The temperatures are therefore 2 or 3 C below the average for the Languedoc. THE STORY Domaine de l Aigle, located around the picturesque village of Roquetaillade, near Limoux at the foot of the Pyrenees, is one of the highest vineyards Languedoc, at an altitude of about 500 meters. The vines, planted with Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, thrive on the highly favorable climatic conditions. Domaine de l Aigle produces wines with the exceptional freshness and minerality of the LanguedocRoussillon. The climate is fresh and unusual in that it is very damp, with an average rainfall of 900mm per year. The beneficial effect is to delay the harvest by more than a month compared with the coast or the plain, and it also preserves the aromas of the grapes as well as giving the wine a durability beyond maturation or barrel fermentation and maintains a high natural acidity to give perfect balance. VARIETALS The two main grape varieties are Chardonnay and Pinot Noir and are particularly well adapted to the climate which is comparable to that of the Burgundy region. The Pinot Noir is what makes this estate original as it is only in this part of the Languedoc that it can suitably be grown. The other Gérard Bertrand estates Château la Sauvageonne (AOP Terrasses du Larzac & AOP Languedoc) includes 57 hectares of Syrah & Grenache vine. Its very peculiar soil composed of ruffe rocks testifies of its volvanic past. This estate with a 300 meters high luxurious Villa has an unrivalled view set throughout the Larzac Terraces. Château Laville Bertrou is situated at 150 meters of altitude in AOP MinervoisLa Livinière. The sunny Mediterranean landscape is planted with Syrah, Black Grenache, and Mourvèdre alongside old Black Carignan vines. The 8 hectares Château joined the Gérard Bertrand Estate in 1997, and has since been producing high quality, powerful and awardwinning wines. Château Aigues Vives is the 2010 addition to the Group, this AOP Corbières from Boutenac is mostly planted with Syrah, but also Grenache, Mourvèdre and Carignan. The abundant groundwater allows for perfect growing of the vines and winemaking which led in 2003 to their recognition as the best quality cru in the region. Château La Soujeole forms part of the Gérard Bertrand Group ever since 2012, en AOP Malepère, where the vine culture is multi centenary, with mostly Bordeaux like grape varieties: Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon & Cabernet Franc. Château des Karantes & Domaine de Tarailhan are both small estates in the newly AOP La Clape & AOP Languedoc, close to the Chateau l Hospitalet, yet both closer to the sea, which allows more minerality and acidity from the Cal soil. 14

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Diversity and exclusivity

Diversity and exclusivity The Bordeaux region is known to be the largest winegrowing area in France, producing more than 700 million bottles of Bordeaux wine annually, including table wines and some of