Light amber color; citrus, tangerine, orange marmalade, green apple, apricot, white flowers, pepper on the nose and palate.
Dry; slightly tannic; mild acidity. Medium body. More savory, rich tastes than ripe fruit. Blend of 25% chardonnay, 15% muscat, 15% viognier, 15% grenache blanc, 15% chenin, 15% roussanne; all organically grown. This is “orange” wine—also known as “amber” wine—made using the ancient technique where white grapes are vinified and fermented in whole bunches, similar to red wines.
With this technique, semi-carbonic maceration includes stems and skins to impart the distinctive orange/amber color. Maceration last about two weeks with light pump-overs. When a balance of tannin and color is achieved, grapes are decanted, pressed, and blended to a finishing fermentation. After fermentation, the wine is barrel aged. The process also gives the wine a touch of tannin and produces a more complex wine with rich texture than standard white wine efforts.
This is orange/amber wine built for many to enjoy. Other white wines made like red wines can be idiosyncratic, appealing to niche audiences but befuddling to others. This avoids the cloudiness sometimes encountered, presents as clean and fresh with more character and substance than a white wine play. If you want to take your first fling into orange/amber milieu, this is where to start.
Gérard Bertrand is well-known for its rosé and red wines. Here he stakes a claim in the trendy orange/amber sector. Bertrand was born and raised in southern France and began making wine with his father, Georges, at age 10 in 1975. Gérard took over the family business after the accidental death of his father in 1987. Today, he is the leading winemaker in the Languedoc-Roussillon region. He owns multiple estates and sells his wines in 150 countries.
Bertrand is a passionate advocate of biodynamic vinegrowing. He manages the largest acreage of biodynamic vineyards in the world. He notes: “Each terroir is unique, and with biodynamic principles, you reinforce the taste of somewhere.” And, “I welcome all to experience the South of France.”
Gérard Bertrand Orange Gold 2022 is superb introduction to the orange/amber wine scene. Fun, friendly, crisp, refreshing. Richer, fuller, more texture and character than white wine. This is white wine made with skin-stem contact like a red wine. Works nicely as an aperitif; with appetizers and snacks; charcuterie board. Pair with spicy food, including Asian and Indian fare; lamb; roasted, grilled eggplant; roasted vegetables; fatty fish; grilled barbecue chicken; pork, included barbecue and baby back ribs. Cheese—manchego, gruyère, cheddar, pecorino, feta, roquefort, gorgonzola. $19-27
