Berry-Althoff Meridonal 2024

Domaine Berry-Althoff is a young family estate in the Gard founded by Elsa Berry and Clément Althoff, whose backgrounds span both the Languedoc and Burgundy. Since establishing the domaine in 2015, they have become one of southern France's most exciting producers, crafting vibrant, low intervention wines that balance Mediterranean generosity with remarkable freshness and precision. Their labels, illustrated by artist Agathe Mariposa, reflect the creativity and individuality that define the estate.

The estate farms its vineyards organically and biodynamically, earning Demeter certification while emphasizing biodiversity and healthy soils. Every vineyard is harvested by hand, fermentations rely exclusively on indigenous yeasts, and sulfur additions are kept exceptionally low. Rather than imposing a house style, Berry-Althoff seeks to capture the personality of each vineyard through thoughtful farming and minimal intervention in the cellar.

Méridional 2024 is a blend of approximately 84 percent grenache blanc and 16 percent rolle grown on distinctive yellow marl soils. The fruit comes from both the estate's own organically farmed vineyards and carefully selected grapes from a neighboring grower who shares the same farming philosophy. After a gentle direct press, the wine ferments with indigenous yeasts in a combination of stainless steel and 20 percent French oak before resting on its lees for eight months, adding texture while preserving its vibrant character. 

The 2024 vintage is bright, floral, and wonderfully refreshing. Aromas of white flowers, citrus blossom, ripe pear, and Mediterranean herbs lead into a palate with lively acidity, subtle salinity, and a crisp mineral finish. The combination of grenache's generous fruit and rolle's freshness creates a beautifully balanced white that shines with oysters, grilled seafood, summer salads, or simply enjoyed on its own.