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Family Philosophy Plays In The Provence. Gerard Bertrand Credits His Father For The Passion.
Manage episode 480995724 series 2521231
Gerard Bertrand had not been in Los Angeles for a few years. He comes every 4-5 years to put on a Master Class of the wines of the Provence. You see, he has been a major force in bring the wines from the area to the notice of the wine world. He forms biodynamicaly but keeps his ear to the ground as to what the market place is asking for. I was fortunate enough to catch him with a spare 40 minutes before he was on-stage exposing the virtues of his families heritage.
Who knew that a winemaker could wax poetic about geology, spirituality, and diplomacy all in the time it takes to swirl a glass? Listeners tuning in to this episode of Wine Talks will discover that Monsieur Gérard Bertrand is no ordinary figure in the wine world—he’s a philosopher in vintner’s clothing, a passionate steward of the land, and a tireless advocate for capturing the "footprint of the vintage" in every bottle. Step into an illuminating conversation where you’ll learn how wine is so much more than fermented grapes; it's an evolving tapestry of soil health, family tradition, and a vehicle for cross-cultural connection. Bertrand shares generational wisdom gleaned from his father, delves into the radical promises of biodynamic farming (think 47,000 links of underground life, not just a vineyard full of grapes), and reveals why wine’s emotional resonance surpasses any other beverage—anchored, perhaps, in what he calls “the grace of God.” You’ll hear why true excellence in winemaking isn’t an accident, but the convergence of balance, intent, terroir, and soul, shaped over years of patience and experimentation. Beyond the vineyard, Bertrand explores wine’s role in diplomacy and spirituality, reflecting on its unique ability to bring people together across religions, continents, and centuries. If you’re curious about what it takes to move from an entry-level “good” to an “exceptional” glass, how the moon and microbial life can change the soul of a vineyard, or why pouring a bottle becomes a kind of ceremony, this episode offers a rare, intimate look. Prepare to have your notions of wine expanded, your sense of ritual deepened, and your next bottle charged with new meaning.
🍷 Wine is a Full-Contact Sport: It isn’t a hobby—it’s a philosophy, a vocation, and apparently, a spiritual journey. You’re not just sipping; you’re entering a ceremony (so maybe stop drinking from that chipped mug).
🍷 Soil is the Real MVP: Want to impress your snobby wine friend? Drop this fact: biodynamic soil has 47 times(!) more life than standard soil. That’s more buzz than a wine-stained karaoke night!
🍷 Wine Brings World Peace (Kind of): Forget political negotiations—bring out the Petrus! From churches to diplomatic tables, wine literally fosters love… or at the very least, makes everyone friendlier. Warning: results may vary with your weird uncle.
Bottom line? Raise a glass, share a vibe, protect some bugs, and remember—no one’s ever waxed poetic over a vodka soda.
#WineTalks #GerardBertrand #BiodynamicWine #WinePhilosophy #SustainableWine #SouthOfFranceWines #WineCulture #WinemakingJourney
416 episodes
Manage episode 480995724 series 2521231
Gerard Bertrand had not been in Los Angeles for a few years. He comes every 4-5 years to put on a Master Class of the wines of the Provence. You see, he has been a major force in bring the wines from the area to the notice of the wine world. He forms biodynamicaly but keeps his ear to the ground as to what the market place is asking for. I was fortunate enough to catch him with a spare 40 minutes before he was on-stage exposing the virtues of his families heritage.
Who knew that a winemaker could wax poetic about geology, spirituality, and diplomacy all in the time it takes to swirl a glass? Listeners tuning in to this episode of Wine Talks will discover that Monsieur Gérard Bertrand is no ordinary figure in the wine world—he’s a philosopher in vintner’s clothing, a passionate steward of the land, and a tireless advocate for capturing the "footprint of the vintage" in every bottle. Step into an illuminating conversation where you’ll learn how wine is so much more than fermented grapes; it's an evolving tapestry of soil health, family tradition, and a vehicle for cross-cultural connection. Bertrand shares generational wisdom gleaned from his father, delves into the radical promises of biodynamic farming (think 47,000 links of underground life, not just a vineyard full of grapes), and reveals why wine’s emotional resonance surpasses any other beverage—anchored, perhaps, in what he calls “the grace of God.” You’ll hear why true excellence in winemaking isn’t an accident, but the convergence of balance, intent, terroir, and soul, shaped over years of patience and experimentation. Beyond the vineyard, Bertrand explores wine’s role in diplomacy and spirituality, reflecting on its unique ability to bring people together across religions, continents, and centuries. If you’re curious about what it takes to move from an entry-level “good” to an “exceptional” glass, how the moon and microbial life can change the soul of a vineyard, or why pouring a bottle becomes a kind of ceremony, this episode offers a rare, intimate look. Prepare to have your notions of wine expanded, your sense of ritual deepened, and your next bottle charged with new meaning.
🍷 Wine is a Full-Contact Sport: It isn’t a hobby—it’s a philosophy, a vocation, and apparently, a spiritual journey. You’re not just sipping; you’re entering a ceremony (so maybe stop drinking from that chipped mug).
🍷 Soil is the Real MVP: Want to impress your snobby wine friend? Drop this fact: biodynamic soil has 47 times(!) more life than standard soil. That’s more buzz than a wine-stained karaoke night!
🍷 Wine Brings World Peace (Kind of): Forget political negotiations—bring out the Petrus! From churches to diplomatic tables, wine literally fosters love… or at the very least, makes everyone friendlier. Warning: results may vary with your weird uncle.
Bottom line? Raise a glass, share a vibe, protect some bugs, and remember—no one’s ever waxed poetic over a vodka soda.
#WineTalks #GerardBertrand #BiodynamicWine #WinePhilosophy #SustainableWine #SouthOfFranceWines #WineCulture #WinemakingJourney
416 episodes
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