Domaine de la Berthète, Vin de Pays de la Principauté d’Orange, Southern Rhône, France, 2024

Producer Profile

From the Middles Ages, vines have been grown on the Plaine du Plan de Dieu in the heart of the Southern Rhône. Back then you were taking your life in your hands crossing the plain as bandits freely roamed the land. This perhaps gave rise to the plain's name as whether you lived or died was up to God's plan.

Pascal Maillet's original plan, having studied computer sciences, had nothing to do with wine, but almost overnight this changed. In 1993, Pascal and his wife, Marie-Pierre, bought this family domaine. They now work the stone ridden, clay-limestone soils of the plain to create wonderful vigourous 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's plan can indeed be mysterious.

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

Brilliant depth of colour, appealing aromas of ripe red fruits and warm dry summers, and a plentiful body of fruit on the palate layered with freshness and structure. An easy-drinking, vivaciously fruity red wine with a refreshing dry finish which is fantastic both with or without food.

Food Matching

Grilled red and white meats and strong seasoned cheeses.