For a long time, French sparkling wines have had a distinct character.
Their vocabulary revolved around Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and northern vineyards. Their imagination was shaped by the great Champagne houses. Their culture was rooted in celebration, ceremony, and the etiquette of the table.
Today, this geographical landscape is changing.
Through *Esprit de Cote des Roses*, Maison Gérard Bertrand offers a southern take on this traditionally northern world. The project is not merely about winemaking. It reflects a broader transformation of the French wine industry, in which Mediterranean regions are now seeking to embrace the conventions of sparkling wine without sacrificing their identity.
The blend is the first indication of this approach.
Chardonnay and Pinot Noir—grape varieties historically associated with great sparkling wines—form the backbone of this cuvée. Alongside them, however, is an unexpected player: Grenache Noir. This iconic southern grape variety brings a sunnier character and immediately sets the wine apart.
This choice reflects an interesting shift in contemporary tastes. For decades, sparkling wines sought above all to replicate an existing model. The new generations of wines seem to embrace their geographic origin more fully. The goal is no longer simply to master a technique, but to express a terroir.
In the case of Esprit de Cote des Roses, this ambition is reflected in a pale rosé color, low sugar content, and a profile characterized by freshness and citrus notes. The pursuit of lightness here becomes a common thread linking the grape varieties of northern France with those of the Mediterranean basin.
Detail
- Blend: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Grenache Noir.
- Origin: regions of southern France.
- Style: unfiltered, low-sugar.
- Aromatic profile: citrus, freshness, and a delicate effervescence.
- Color: bright pale pink.
The report also highlights another trend in the wine industry: the shift in wine consumption toward experiential venues.
In the summer of 2025, the vintage will be featured on the Eylau Paris rooftop, at the top of the Canopy by Hilton Paris Eiffel Tower, facing the Eiffel Tower. This choice is no coincidence. Historically, wine was defined by its origin. Today, it is also defined by the context in which it is consumed. Urban terraces, rooftops, and hybrid venues are becoming new spaces for cultural influence.
The collaboration with Tableaux Paris follows the same logic. The pairing of a rosé wine with a gourmet platter inspired by the South of France reflects the growing importance of food presentation in the world of contemporary wine. The pairing is no longer based solely on taste; it has become visual, photographic, and experiential.
Ultimately, Esprit de Cote des Roses is less interesting as a new product than as a cultural phenomenon. It illustrates how Mediterranean wineries are currently reinventing their positioning. After long building their reputation on still rosés and sun-kissed reds, they are now venturing into the world of sparkling wines.
Not to imitate historical models, but to give them a Southern flair
Cette publication est également disponible en :
