Domaine Berry-Althoff - Lopin 2022
Domaine Berry-Althoff is one of the most inspiring young estates in the Gard, led by Imogen Berry and Robin Althoff around Aubais. Created gradually from 2015, the project was built without initial land inheritance, with a true desire to reclaim and enhance old vines on limestone terroirs. The estate currently works about ten hectares with an organic and biodynamic approach, clearly seeking pure, lively, and precise wines. This philosophy is reflected in artisanal, low-intervention cuvées where the expression of the place takes precedence over power or extraction. Lopin 2022 fully fits into this approach, with a Cinsault red that is both delicate, deep, and luminous. The cuvée highlights another facet of the Gard Languedoc, more airy, more infused, far from the overly dense Mediterranean reds. It is a wine made by sensitive winemakers, attached to the finesse of the fruit, freshness, and the identity of their soils.
The Lopin 2022 cuvée is made exclusively from Cinsault, a Mediterranean grape variety often associated with gourmandise but capable here of a much subtler expression. The grapes come from a property plot located in Aujargues, from vines planted in 1969, naturally bringing depth and complexity. The shimmering Valanginian limestone terroir gives the wine a mineral framework and a very particular sensation of lightness. The harvest is done by hand, then the grapes are destemmed to preserve the purity of the fruit. The 12-day maceration, conducted between 20 and 25°C, gently extracts color, aromas, and a fine tannic structure. Fermentation with indigenous yeasts enhances the natural expression of the grape and the place. The 12-month aging in large oak casks, sandstone jars, and oak barrels, followed by 4 months in stainless steel tanks, refines the texture without masking the elegance of the Cinsault.
In the glass, Domaine Berry-Althoff Lopin 2022 reveals a clear and bright ruby robe, faithful to the delicate style of Cinsault. The nose opens on fresh strawberry, redcurrant, red cherry, and some floral notes, with a very fine peppery touch. The palate is supple, juicy, and slender, carried by a discreet minerality that gives length to the wine. The tannins are delicate, almost powdery, and accompany the fruit without ever hardening the finish. The whole seduces by its drinkability, precision, and this sensation of a living, free, but perfectly controlled wine. It is a red that can be served slightly chilled, around 14 to 15°C, both as an aperitif and at the table. It will pair very well with Mediterranean cuisine, grilled vegetables, roasted poultry, fine charcuterie, veal chop, or a lightly aged goat cheese.
Grape variety: 100% Cinsault
