WineLovers Discussion Group

Gérard Bertrand Grand Terroir Corbières 2010 is a blend of 40% Grenache, 40% Syrah and 20% Mourvèdre---and the Mourvèdre here makes all the difference in the world. The fresh fruity vivacity of Grenache is instantly apparent; the plump blueberry and considerable sturdiness of Syrah fills out the fruit component while giving some structure; and the Mourvèdre adds that essential deep, dark, fresh-plowed-earth and wet leaves and mushroom funkiness, like the difference between boeuf bourguignonne and beef stew, like thick chunky-chewy preserves rather than jelly.

There is a distinct sauvage quality to this Corbières, something deep and dark and not-quite-tamed. It’s the Call of the Wild in a wine bottle. And it is irresistible.

This is, in the vernacular, a fruit bomb of a wine---but not at all in the way of a New World fruit bomb, because it’s not tricked out with lavish vanilla milkshake oak; it’s very much an Old World style of fruit bomb, a “Paulaner All Fruit” style with a little animale, relying on tannin and acidity for its underpinnings, a wine fully reflective of its Languedoc origins.

Brian K Miller wrote:Hey, Hoke. A friend opened a bottle of this at his Playoffs party. It was very, very nice...and was on sale at the "better" local gocery store (Nugget Market) for $10!

Also had a glass of the Tauteval on friday that was quite delicious!