This Baron de Badassière Carignan IGP Côtes de Thau offers a light, summery experience with savoury notes of cherries and a balanced mix of blackberry, blueberry and raspberry. Its crisp finish makes it an ideal accompaniment to warm evenings.

Baron de Badassière, Carignan IGP Côtes de Thau pairs nicely with all kinds of meat dishes, the herbaceous qualities of the wine work well with herbed lamb, Sunday Roasts.  It also is a very fine accompaniment to richer vegetarian dishes as well as being great on its own.

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 Carignan grapes for Baron de Badassière, Carignan were grown in vineyards around Badassière in the Languedoc. The vines are located on clay-limestone terraces called "Costières" overlooking the Étang de Thau lagoons. They enjoy a Mediterranean climate tempered by maritime influences and a microclimate under the influence of the Étang de Thau.

The grapes were destemmed and macerated on their skins for one week, then pressed in a pneumatic press. The must was cold settled and then fermented at a controlled temperature of 17 - 24°C for two weeks, with regular pumping over. The wine was unoaked but aged for nearly eight months in stainless steel tanks to ensure the tannins and flavours were well integrated.