Domaine de la Berthete, Côtes du Rhône Villages Rouge, Sainte Cécile, Southern Rhône, France, 2023

Producer Profile

Vines have been grown on the Plaine du Plan de Dieu in the heart of the southern Rhône since the Middles Ages.

Back then, you took your life in your hands crossing the plain, as bandits freely roamed the land (perhaps giving rise to its name, as whether you lived or died was up to God). Current proprietor Pascal Maillet originally studied computer science and had nothing to do with wine, but this changed almost overnight in 1993 when Pascal and his wife, Marie- Pierre, bought this family domaine. They now work the stony, clay-limestone soils of the plain to create wonderful vigorous wines in a traditional style from 35-year-old vines. Full of garrigue notes with sweet black fruit and nuances of spice, these wines are some the best hand-crafted offerings in the southern Rhône. God can indeed work in mysterious ways.

Viticulture

Planted with Grenache 45%, Syrah 30%, Cinsault 5% and Carignan 20%, the vineyard work is now carried out following the principles of reasoned viticulture with the utmost respect for the environment and harvesting is done mainly by hand with de-stemming of the grapes.

Tasting Note

Instantly appealing, perfumed, fresh, generous fruit and full-bodied flavours which develop layers of complexity interwoven with notes of liquorice and soft spice. The keynotes of freshness, fruit and finesse linger long into the finish.

Food Matching

Pork joint, dry pork sausage and wild board. Also medium seasoned cheeses.