Lunch with Gérard Bertrand at Bistro Moderne

Gérard Bertrand's logo says: It’s L’ Art De Vivre, South of France style. I was intrigued and open to explore this unique art of living during the two-hour tasting and lunch at the Bistro Moderne. Tasting the wines was a long, thus pleasant and educational process. The lunch that followed was the reward to the previous “hard” work. 

The amuse bouche –or otherwise named as little bites of happiness - paired wonderfully with the Crémant de Limoux 2010 – a fresh and light Crémant with a rather sweet after taste. Then the Scallops accompanied with Summer Vegetable Fricassée and Truffle Butter was the right choice for my favorite, the Cigalus White IGP, a vibrant blend of Chardonnay, Viognier and Sauvignon, with complex aromas of tropical fruits and hints of subtle vanilla. The second bottle was the Aigle Royal White 2010, a 100% Chardonnay, light, youthful and floral, perfect for this late summer day.  We continued with the Rack of Lamb with Bean Ragout, Sautéed Mushrooms and Crispy Shallots. Although lamb has never been my meat of choice, admittedly it was the perfect match for La Forge Corbières Red AOP 2005 – a 50% blend of Carignan and Syrah with earthy and spicy aromas and rich texture. Le Viala Minervois Red AOP 2001 did also a great job; this Syrah, Grenache and Carignan blend offered elegance and soft tannins and a long finish. 

The perfect ending? The Warm Chocolate Fondant and Caramelized Orange Ice Cream served with the Legend Vintage Rivesaltes 1974.

Clearly, the Gerard Bertrand wines is L’ Art De Vivre and not just a bottle or two.

Thanks to the amazing chefs of the Bistro Moderne Laurent Kalkotour and Ashley Brauze