Baron de Badassière, Viognier IGP Côtes de Thau
Vintage: 2023
| Vintage | Product Code | Format | Closure | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | BA602B23 | 6 x 75 | Screwcap | Available |
Producer
The Baron de Badassière wines come from Picpoul de Pinet, an appellation near the coast in the Languedoc. Its name derives from the Badassière vineyard, situated near the small town of Pomérol, which in the 18th century belonged to Baron Charles Emmanuel, a colourful character rumoured to be the illegitimate son of King Louis XV. These wines are made exclusively for Liberty Wines at the Cave de Pomérols cooperative by winemaker Marguerite Vasseur and New Zealand consultant Matt Thomson.
The region benefits from a sunny, warm climate that encourages ripe flavours to develop in the grapes, while coastal breezes help to retain freshness and aromatics. Picpoul de Pinet is the co-operative’s speciality. Marguerite selects parcels of grapes as they enter the winery to ensure that only the best quality fruit goes into the wine. The approach across the range is non-interventionist, with minimal or no skin contact, no malolactic fermentation and no oak, to retain the purity and character of each variety.
Vineyards
The vines are located on clay-limestone terraces which overlook the Etang de Thau - the largest of a string of lagoons that stretch along the French coast from the Rhône River to the foothills of the Pyrenées. They enjoy a Mediterranean climate, tempered by maritime influences given the proximity to the Etang de Thau. The grapes are both machine and hand harvested.
Vintage
The 2023 Vintage got off to a good start, with dry conditions, average winter temperatures, and no damaging frost episodes. In most Languedoc, sustained rain levels during the spring allowed water reserves to have plenty of water ahead of the hot summer months although draught remained an issue, resulting in smaller berries. August brought an intense heatwave across the region, and temperatures rocketed to 43 degrees, compounded by nighttime temperatures not dropping below 30. This phenomenon led to an acceleration in maturity and a reduction in yields. However, in most cases, the vintage resulted in healthy and juicy grapes.
Vinification
The grapes were macerated on their skins for several hours before pressing. The must was then fermented in stainless-steel tanks at a controlled temperature of 15°C. No malolactic fermentation took place and the wine was bottled early to retain freshness and delicate aromatics.
Tasting Notes & Technical Details
This Viognier is made in a fresh, modern style. It offers subtle aromas of almond and honey on the nose. Rounded on the palate, with guava and apricot flavours, it is balanced by a refreshing acidity on the finish.
Alcohol (ABV)
13.5%
Other wines from this producer
Producer | Wine | Product Code | Features | Style | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Baron de Badassière | Sauvignon Blanc IGP Côtes de Thau | BA601 | W | ||
| Picpoul de Pinet | BA603 | W | |||
| Syrah IGP Côtes de Thau | BA604 | R | |||
| Carignan IGP Côtes de Thau | BA605 | R |