Maison la Berthaude Vignes Centenaires Reserve Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2018

Classy, complex, rich, and savory, Domaine Roger Perrin Maison la Berthaude is the epitome of everything we love about the sunbaked Rhône region of the south of France. Roger Perrin and his family have been farming their hillside plot of land between Orange and Châteauneuf since the early 1900s. But for decades, the vast majority of their fruit was sold to larger nearby producers like Château Beaucastel, owned by another, more famous, family named Perrin (no relation). But in 1969, Roger’s father-in-law passed away unexpectedly, and he took the helm of the family domaine and never looked back. Roger has since handed the reins over to his nephew, talented fifth-generation winemaker Xavier Rolin. Like his uncle, Xavier has the utmost respect for the classic winemaking styles of the southern Rhône. He hews to tradition and avoids the temptation to create the fruity, oaky, higher-alcohol wines that are easy to make in this warm-climate region. The result is a wine that is an incredible value for this level of quality, and it’s just begging to be paired with anything off the barbecue!

The Perrin family diligently farms just over 30 acres in Châteauneuf-du-Pape, not far from the medieval Palace of the Pope from which the wine takes its name. This particular parcel, named after the nearby village of Berthaude, features the famous galets roules, or rounded riverbed stones deposited millennia ago. This harmonious blend is sourced from vines that are between 60-100 years old. Led by silky smooth 70% Grenache, 15% robust Mourvèdre, and the balance is a blend of aromatic Cinsault and Clairette. The 2018 Châteauneuf Du Pape Maison La Berthaude Vieilles Vignes is perfumed like mulled red wine, black fruits, herbes de Provence, and teriyaki beef jerky. Medium-bodied with soft, textured tannins, and a long finish, it’s no wonder these wines were deemed fit only for the Pope himself!