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French Baron de Badassiere,Viognier 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 and the vines showed evidence of stress. 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 were macerated on 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 in Spring 2011 to retain freshness and delicate aromatics.
Tasting Notes
Pale but bright, the 2010 Viognier has intense fruity aromas with hints of apricots and peaches, that continue through to the juicy fruity palate. The delicious fresh finish is long and scented, with stone fruit and citrus complexity.
| Vintage |
2010 |
| Grape varieties |
100% Viognier |
| Region |
Eastern Languedoc, Languedoc |
| Winemaker |
Graeme Paul |
| Closure |
Stelvin |
| Alcohol (ABV) |
13.5%% |
