Welcoming the future to Cigalus… from cluster to cluster

The optimal maturity of the grapes from the Chardonnay plots of the Domaine de Cigalus, at the gateway to the Corbières, marks the start of the 2021 harvest for all of Gérard Bertrand's vineyards. Combined during the blend with Viognier and Sauvignon Blanc, these grapes with high quality potential will produce the 2021 vintage of Cigalus Blanc, IGP Aude Hauterive , during the summer of 2022.
In a few weeks, the harvest will take place on the plots of red grape varieties used in the blend of Cigalus red .

Every morning, Bertrand Boileau, manager of Cigalus , visits the 75 hectares of the estate to determine the optimum time to harvest each block. The tasting of the grapes, corroborated by the analyses, is decisive in defining the date of the harvest.

From one terroir to another

In Cigalus, the warm and sunny Mediterranean climate allows for advanced maturation of the grape varieties. The soil of Fontfroide, "cold springs", a combination of sandstone, sand with draining properties and clay benefits from an exceptional water retention capacity. In addition to these essential elements of the terroir, there is the third phenomenon, that of the winemaker. Gérard Bertrand began his journey of experimenting with biodynamics in viticulture at the Cigalus estate in 2002. The Demeter certification (Biodynamic Agriculture) in 2010 added to the AB certification (Organic Agriculture) will mark the total conversion of the estate.

From grapes to wine

Once harvested by hand by Bertrand Boileau's team of grape pickers, the grape clusters are welcomed into the cellar by Laurent Monerris, cellar master. After two hours of pneumatic pressing and a light settling, part of the juice enters new barrels, the other part into vats for alcoholic fermentation. Once the malolactic fermentation is complete, the descent into oak barrels will mark the beginning of the aging, with regular stirring, which will last until the spring equinox of 2022.

Cigalus Blanc reveals all the essence of its Mediterranean terroir coupled with the excellence and consistency of the support of biodynamic grape varieties. The 2021 vintage will be the fruit of the precise work of a united and passionate team.

To follow our harvests, estate by estate:

• Domaine de l'Aigle, at the crossroads of terroirs and climates
• Welcoming the future... one plot at a time with biodynamics