Baron de Badassière Viognier is crafted with a modern approach, providing faint scents of almond and honey on the nose. Its flavours of guava and apricot are complemented by a vibrant acidity on the conclusion, creating a rounded overall profile.

As a medium to full bodied yet unoaked Viognier, the Baron de Badassière, Viognier is an excellent match for white meats and salads but it should not be discounted as a fantastic option for enjoying with just a bowl of mixed nuts and good company.

About the Producer

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 Pomérols. 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 Wines by winemaker Marguerite Vasseur and New Zealand consultant Matt Thomson, at the Cave de Pomérols cooperative where the Vignes de L'Eglise range is also produced.

Vineyard and Winery

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.

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.