Domaine la Berthète 2019 Côtes du Rhône Rouge Camaret-sur-Aigues, France

It’s no secret that I love French wine; however, I have a particular soft spot for wines from the Rhône Valley — especially the Plan de Dieu. I find wines from there to be an exceptional value, rivaling their more famous neighbors in quality and often available at a fraction of the price.

The 2019 Domaine la Berthète “Les Pierrügues Côtes du Rhône” is a perfect example of the terrific price to quality ratio available with wines from this region. Savvy AWM shoppers will remember this particular wine as la Berthète “Sensation,” a superbly crafted, value-oriented wine from our friend Asheville based importer, Jean-Philipe Bourgeois.

Plan de Dieu

Domaine la Berthète

You’ll encounter some of the most wonderful and welcoming people as you travel through the world’s wine regions. It’s no accident or surprise; they’re humble, down-to-earth, hard-working folks who genuinely love sharing the passion for their home, the grapes they grow, and the wine they make. For me, the Forestier and Alban families, owners of Château Juvenal top the list.

Pascal Maillet and his wife Marie-Pierre purchased the estate in 1993 after Pascal made a life-altering decision to leave a computer science career to become a winemaker. It was a great choice – he’s now considered one of the top Independent Vignerons in the Southern Côtes-du-Rhône.

I started to write some “in the glass” notes; however, I can’t resist using this fabulous tasting note from my friend Jean-Philippe Bourgeois:

“Hand-harvesting preserves the best qualities of Domaine la Berthète’s fruit, and the very uncommon step of barrel-aging a “humble” Côtes-du-Rhône is necessary to integrate the tannins here into the impressive structure that’s more akin to Gigondas. Its knockout aromas of black cherry and cassis get fleshed out with dark spices and black olive for a nose that conveys seemingly impossible promise. It more than lives up to that promise with an intense and compelling palate of deftly balanced fruity, spicy, and meaty characteristics, and a texture that begs to be slowly sipped and savored. A long, mouthwatering finish suggests pairing with indulgent lamb and feta burgers, Tex-Mex, BBQ ribs, and creamy washed-rind cheeses. Drink over the next 5 years”.

50% Grenache, 25% Syrah, 20% Carignan, and 5% Cinsault.

$16.99

$ 14

In a mixed or solid case

Can't make it in? Call 828-253-0060 with your credit card number.
We'll hold your purchase in our temperature controlled cellar for pickup at your convenience
or we'll arrange for delivery.
Or Click below to check stock status and purchase online