Baron de Badassière
Baron de Badassière is from the Picpoul de Pinet region of the Languedoc,...
near the coast of the south of France. The name of the wine refers to the Badassière vineyard which lies near the small town of Pomerols. In the 18th century, the vineyard belonged to Baron Charles Emmanuel, a colourful character who was rumoured to be the illegitimate son of King Louis XV. The wines are made exclusively for Liberty by New Zealand winemaker Graeme Paul, with consultant Matt Thomson, at the Cave de Pomerols cooperative where the Vignes de L'Eglise range is also produced. This region benefits from a sunny, warm climate which encourages ripe, fruity flavours in the wines, while the coastal breezes help retain freshness and aromatics.
Vineyards
The grapes for this wine come from selected vineyards around the Etang de Thau and Picpoul area. The vines are planted on sandy Pliocene soils. The grapes are both machine and hand-harvested.
Vintage Information
2016 was a late ripening vintage, marked by significant drought; a lack of rain in both winter and summer was confounded by severe evaporation caused by hot, windy conditions with practically no precipitation from mid-June onwards. The few days of rain in September relieved the vines of severe water stress, which was essential for making great wines.
Vinification
The grapes were macerated on their skins for a few hours, then pressed in the pneumatic press. The must was then fermented in stainless steel tanks at controlled temperatures between 17-19°C for 16 days. No oak was used and the wine was bottled early to retain freshness and delicate aromatics.
Tasting Notes
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.
Vintage Information
| Vintage | 2016 |
| Grape varieties | 100% Viognier |
| Region | Eastern Languedoc, Languedoc |
| Winemaker | Joël Julien |
| Alcohol (ABV) | 13% |
| Acidity | 5.63g/l |
| Residual Sugar | 0.8g/l |
| Wine pH | 3.39 |
Trade customers
Liberty Wines customers can order this wine directly from us.