Domaine Berry-Althoff - Embruns 2024
Domaine Berry-Althoff is one of the most exciting young labels in Languedoc, led by Imogen Berry and Robin Althoff since their establishment in Aubais, Gard. Their journey began in 2015 after several winemaking experiences in France and abroad, with the desire to build an artisanal estate, precise and deeply respectful of life. Today, they work about ten hectares in organic and biodynamic farming, while developing Le Quai à Raisins, a project of cuvées from partnerships with winemaker friends. Embruns 2024 fits into this approach of openness, with grapes coming from Domaine Pouderoux, in Corneilla-la-Rivière, in the Pyrénées-Orientales. This Roussillon origin brings a unique identity to the cuvée, between Mediterranean influence, mineral freshness, and terroir depth. The name Embruns perfectly evokes this sensation of a saline, bright, and vibrant white, conceived more as a gastronomic wine than a simple thirst-quenching white. It is a cuvée that very well illustrates Berry-Althoff's philosophy: pure, lively, precise wines, but always accessible in their emotion.
The Embruns 2024 cuvée is made exclusively from Macabeu, a Mediterranean grape variety often discreet but capable of producing whites of great finesse when worked with patience. The vines rest on fluvioglacial alluvium from the Pyrénées, a terroir that brings tension, a stony imprint, and a beautiful sensation of freshness. The grapes are hand-harvested, following a logic of careful selection and respect for the raw material. Vinification begins with direct pressing to favor brightness, purity, and delicacy of the juice. After settling, fermentation takes place in barrels with indigenous yeasts, allowing the wine to gain texture without losing its identity. The 12-month aging in French oak barrels, followed by 4 months in stainless steel tanks, brings depth, stability, and a slightly brioche-like dimension. With a very low total sulfur content, indicated at 25 mg/L, Embruns maintains a natural, precise expression very close to its terroir.
In the glass, Domaine Berry-Althoff Embruns 2024 reveals a white that is both aromatic, mineral, and finely textured. The nose opens with notes of orange blossom, citrus, white fruits, and gunflint, with an almost saline sensation that recalls the spirit of the cuvée. The palate has a beautiful density but remains taut, straight, and perfectly balanced by a mineral finish. The barrel aging is more expressed through texture and fine brioche notes than marked oakiness. This Macabeu shows true depth, with a gastronomic white profile capable of accompanying precise and flavorful dishes. It will be superb with roasted poultry, a noble fish, scallops, Mediterranean cuisine with citrus, or a cheese platter featuring pélardon and ewe's tomme. Serve around 11 to 12°C in a large glass, with slight aeration to allow its floral, stony, and saline dimension to express itself fully.
Grape variety: 100% Macabeu
