Gérard Bertrand
Cigalus Rouge
Aude Haut-Rive
2022
Vintage
Varietal
Red blend
Where it is, November 2026
At Peak: inside the peak window (2024-2026), within the full drinking arc.
Cellared records a drinking window beginning 2022, with a peak period from 2024 through 2026.
The ‘22 Cigalus Rouge.
Gérard Bertrand Cigalus Rouge 2022 from Aude Haut-Rive, France.
Cellared Ageability Index (CAI) drinking timeline
Storage and bottle condition can shift the experience.
The peak window sits inside the broader full drinking arc.
Tasting note
On the palate the wine is nuanced and fruit-driven with clear barrel character: plum and cocoa carry through alongside bay leaf, black pepper, vanilla and fig, all wrapped in a full-bodied frame at 15% alcohol. Twelve months in new French oak rounds the tannins and adds savory spice without masking the fruit. This is a wine of density and ripeness balanced by the herbal, garrigue-inflected character typical of Languedoc reds farmed biodynamically, finishing warm and long with lingering dark fruit and baking spice.
The 2022 vintage
The Cigalus estate's warm, sunny Mediterranean climate consistently allows advanced ripening of all six grape varieties in the blend, which underpins the wine's ripe, concentrated fruit character. The wine spends twelve months in new French oak barrels before release, a winemaking choice that adds structure and spice to the vintage's naturally dense fruit.
About Gérard Bertrand
Gérard Bertrand is the fourth generation of his family to run a wine business in Languedoc, taking over in 1987 after his father's death. He began converting estates to biodynamic viticulture in 2002, starting with the Cigalus property itself, and today farms 17 estates across roughly 977 hectares under biodynamic practices. Cigalus sits at the heart of that project as one of his flagship single-estate wines, blending Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Syrah, Grenache and Carignan grown on a warm, sunny Mediterranean site.
Pairing suggestions
Cellared suggestions based on the wine and dish descriptions.
Herb-crusted lamb rack
The wine's bay leaf and lavender notes mirror classic Provençal herb crusts, while its tannin stands up to lamb's richness.
Moroccan-spiced braised beef (tagine)
Black pepper and fig flavors in the wine complement warm spice and dried-fruit elements common in tagine.
Dark chocolate and black olive tapenade crostini
The wine's own dark chocolate and black olive notes create a direct flavor bridge with this savory-sweet starter.
Service & cellaring
- Serving Temp
- 60-65F (16-18C)
- Decanting
- Start with 45-60 minutes of air, then taste and adjust.
- Cellar Storage
- 55F (13C), bottle on its side.
Frequently Asked
What grapes make up Cigalus Rouge?
A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Syrah, Grenache and Carignan grown on the Cigalus estate.
Is Cigalus Rouge biodynamically farmed?
Yes. Gérard Bertrand began converting his estates to biodynamic viticulture in 2002, starting with Cigalus.
How is the wine aged?
It spends twelve months in new French oak barrels before bottling.
What is the alcohol level?
15.0% ABV, reflecting the ripeness achieved on this warm Mediterranean site.