2023 Guilhem, Pot de Vin Rouge, Pays d'Oc

The 2023 Guilhem Pot de Vin Rouge is a vibrant, un-oaked expression of 100% Merlot, classified as a Pays d'Oc IGP. This wine originates from Malepère in the western Languedoc, where the vineyards benefit from unique calcareous sandstone soils and a climate shaped by both Mediterranean and Atlantic influences. Bertrand Gourdou of Château Guilhem, a fifth-generation proprietor, is committed to organic farming and minimal intervention, utilizing native yeasts and concrete tanks for fermentation. The challenging 2023 vintage, characterized by low rainfall and summer heat, concentrated the fruit, lending this bottling a focused ripeness while maintaining freshness. This dedication yields a distinctive and authentic "bistro-style" red that purely reflects its unique terroir and the producer's craft.