Domaine Lucas Berthuit - Dany and Jo 2025
In Pépieux, in the Aude region, Lucas Berthuit works a Languedoc vineyard where the southern light meets the freshness of the Cers, a cold wind that crosses the vines and preserves the balance of the grapes. Established since 2023, he cultivates six hectares organically, on predominantly clay-limestone soils whose nuances vary from one plot to another. His approach is a joyful and precise reading of Languedoc, with handmade wines, close to the fruit but never simplistic. The estate favors manual harvesting, whole grapes, gentle extractions, and a cellar designed to accompany the vintage rather than constrain it. In this universe, Dany and Jo 2025 holds a particularly endearing place, with its profile of a light red, lively, floral, and immediately unique. It is a cuvée that refuses overly rigid categories, between light red, infusion wine, and sharing bottle. It naturally expresses the spirit of a young estate seeking to express the South differently, with less weight and more brightness.
This cuvée is made from 80% black grenache and 20% syrah, on a white clay terroir. The estate describes it as a light red wine, built around a direct pressing of syrah and infused black grenaches. This method gives a very delicate reading of the grape varieties, where the focus is less on color and power than on aroma, suppleness, and liveliness. The black grenache brings red fruit, fine roundness, a sensation of tender flesh, and contained southern generosity. The syrah, worked by direct pressing, adds momentum, a floral touch, some peppery nuances, and a fresher line. The grapes are hand-harvested in crates, then the wine is aged in old white Burgundy barrels, an interesting choice to give breath without marking the wine with wood. Classified as IGP Aude, Dany and Jo 2025 has 13% alcohol, with an expression that favors drinkability, energy, and fine grain.
The color should present as a bright light red, almost translucent, with a slight intensity that announces a wine more airy than concentrated. The nose evokes fresh strawberry, raspberry, redcurrant, tart cherry, and some notes of purple flower, then slides towards a touch of sweet spice and discreet garrigue. On the palate, the attack is supple, lively, carried by immediate fruit and a very pleasant infusion sensation. The body remains light but does not lack presence thanks to a fine texture, delicate tannins, and a finish that retains rhythm. We find this idea of a friendly wine in the noble sense of the term: a sincere, accessible bottle, but well thought out enough to interest a discerning taster. It will pair very well with country terrine, grilled poultry, roasted vegetables, pissaladière, artisanal pizza, candied eggplants, or fresh goat cheese. Served slightly chilled, it will retain its fruit, tension, and spontaneity that make all the charm of Dany and Jo.
Grape varieties: 80% black grenache, 20% syrah
