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

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

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.