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Baron de Badassiere Sauvignon Blanc 2009
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 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 and were both machine and hand harvested.
Vintage Information
After a normal Spring, May was fresher and wetter than average which delayed budburst by around five days. The Summer was characterised by hot spells and low rainfall. The grapes remained in excellent health with no mildew or oidium. Veraison was also delayed by eight days. Due to the lack of rain, bunches grew slowly. Harvest started eight days later than the previous year, on the 27th August. Despite the dry conditions, the grapes were in excellent condition and were fully mature.
Vinification
The grapes for Baron de Badassière were picked throughout the night so that they arrived fresh and cool to the winery at 5am. There was no skin contact, to avoid extraction of bitter phenolics. Rather, the grapes were pressed immediately and the must was fermented in stainless steel at 15ºC to prevent oxidation of the delicate Sauvignon Blanc flavours. Winemaker Graeme Paul did not allow malolactic fermentation nor oak ageing and as a result, the style of the wine is pure, fresh and aromatic.
Tasting Notes
A lemon-yellow colour with lifted citrus fruit aromas on the nose as well as a touch of elderflower. The racy palate has an apple, lemon and stone fruit character, is medium bodied and has a refreshing, long finish.
| Vintage |
2010 |
| Grape varieties |
100% Sauvignon Blanc |
| Region |
Eastern Languedoc, Languedoc |
| Winemaker |
Graeme Paul |
| Closure |
Stelvin |
| Alcohol (ABV) |
13% |
