CLOS D’ORA

HISTORY

In 1997, Gérard Bertrand had a dream… a dream that he realized in 2012 with the first vintage of Clos d’Ora after 17 long years of reflection and preparation. Clos d’Ora is an exceptional site that sits precisely on a geological point of convergence between limestone and marl soils, in a unique zone of contact. This transgenerational wine symbolizes the link between the realms of the mineral, plant, animal and human. It is a sanctuary dedicated to peace, love and harmony. Clos d’Ora is a mysterious site, difficult to reach, blessed with the Mediterranean trinity of vine, olive and oak, in an unspoiled and protected natural habitat. Here, the earth is tilled by mule, and work on the vines is guided by intuition, feeling, and a connection with nature. It represents the new paradigm that Gérard Bertrand propounds for man, nature and the world.

TERROIR

The symbiosis that exists between the grape varieties and the terroirs in which they are planted allows the Syrah, on limestone, to constitute the backbone of Clos d’Ora, in a marriage with the enveloping power of Grenache, exalted by the marl soils, the spicy velvetiness of Mourvèdre, and the signature freshness of Carignan, planted in clay.

APPELATION AOP

Minervois La Livinière

VINIFICATION AND MATURING

Leaf thinning takes place before the harvest and the grapes are entirely hand-picked. Each grape variety and each parcel is macerated in separate batches in an unlined, thermoregulated precast concrete vat. The vatting and vinification of the Syrah is made with destalked grapes. Grenache and Mourvèdre are destemming and light crushing before vatting under strict temperature control. We practiced a very gentle maceration, limiting the extraction of tannins. Then, we make some pumping over for aeration and humidification of the cap. Regarding the Carignan, the vatting is realised in whole bunch at higher temperatures to extract the maximum of aromas. The ageing is done in French oak barrels for twleve months. We make the blending in a accurate order, first the Syrah, then the Grenache, the Mourvèdre and finally the Carignan.

GRAPE VARIETIES

Syrah, Grenache, Mourvèdre, Carignan

TASTING NOTES

Clos d’Ora stands out through its deep garnet color. Its character, powerful and distinguished, is revealed by a hearty and intense mouth fill. The tannins are mature, subtle and intense. The black fruit’s aromas are an invitation to a persistent depth, thanks to the sophisticated ageing.

Clos d’Ora is an exceptional wine with an important potential for cellaring.

FOOD AND WINE PAIRING

Decant 1 hour before service, Best served at 63°F with a beef from Aubrac grilled, matured or slowly cooked.