DOMAINE BERRY - ALTHOFF | LE QUAI À RAISINS

 

Artisanal winemakers

10 hectares of estate vineyards farmed organically and biodynamically

2 partnerships with wine growers for the cuvées made from purchased grapes

Our project began in Aubais, Gard, in 2015. We started from scratch and crafted our first wines from grape sourcing projects or vines we rented. Gradually, we acquired several parcels of vines and olive orchards to establish our Domaine. Today, we proudly farm around ten hectares in organic and biodynamic agriculture under the Demeter label.

Each plot was meticulously selected for its terroir and its natural biodiversity to ensure that our crops grow in the healthiest environments. Our white wines are planted on yellow marls in Saint-Mamert-du-Gard, a particularly humid valley benefiting from the freshness of the Cévennes. To preserve the minerality and freshness in our reds, we chose vineyards planted on limestones dating from the Hauterivian and Valanginian periods around the village of Aubais. We sought out old vineyards planted in the 60s to work from massal selections resulting in healthier vines producing higher quality fruit.

Le Quai à Raisins is our grape sourcing project in partnership with winemakers from Languedoc. Through these collaborations, we vinify grapes from different terroirs with their endemic varieties.

All the vineyards are handpicked and our wines are fermented by indigenous yeasts without the addition of sulfites. Depending on the vintages, wines may be lightly sulfured at bottling. A minimalist yet precise winemaking approach allows us to produce pure and vibrant wines with a genuine expression of the terroir.

  • Imogen Berry

    Her passion for wine grew during her first winemaking experiences in Argentina and Chile more than 15 years ago. The time she spent winemaking in the Loire Valley, South Africa and California is what inspired Imogen to start her own winery. Trained as an oenologist, she sees herself primarily as a winemaker and is constantly thinking about new and innovative projects.

    Her ambitions are to produce pure and delicate wines while respecting nature and maintaining cohesion among all partners involved in the project.

  • Robin Althoff

    He envisions his future at the family estate, Costes-Cirgues, where he has practiced organic and biodynamic viticulture as well as sulfur-free winemaking and aging for over 15 years. After completing his oenology degree and gaining experience in Burgundy, Roussillon, Napa Valley, and South Africa, his desire to spread his wings and start his own Domaine could no longer wait.

    His goals are to produce the most vibrant wines and to engage with those around him to continuously learn more about the world of wine.

Our team

  • Nicolas Vargas

    Nicolas, trained in agricultural mechanics, is passionate about working outdoors and excels behind the wheel of his tractor. A man of technical projects, he is always ready to take on challenges and embodies the spirit of the terroir while being helpful to his colleagues.

  • Yann Ludewig - Dragutini

    Formerly a mason and shepherd, Yann discovered his passion for wine in Ardèche. Today, he thrives at the estate, both in the vineyard and the cellar, bringing his artisanal skills and attention to detail.

  • Priscilla Florio

    Newly settled in France from Quebec, she decided to reconnect with the land after several years in finance. Cheerful and energetic, she wears many hats at the estate, from administration to sales, and takes real pleasure in introducing clients to the Domaine.