Baron de Badassière, Viognier IGP Côtes de Thau

The Baron de Badassière wines come from Picpoul de Pinet, an appellation near the coast in the Languedoc. Its name derives from the Badassière vineyard, situated near the small town of Pomérol, which in the 18th century belonged to Baron Charles Emmanuel, a colourful character rumoured to be the illegitimate son of King Louis XV. These wines are made exclusively for Liberty Wines at the Cave de Pomérols cooperative by winemaker Marguerite Vasseur and Matt Thomson of Blank Canvas.

The region benefits from a sunny, warm climate that encourages ripe flavours to develop in the grapes, while coastal breezes help to retain freshness and aromatics. Picpoul de Pinet is the co-operative’s speciality. Marguerite selects parcels of grapes as they enter the winery to ensure that only the best quality fruit goes into the wine. The approach across the range is non-interventionist, with minimal or no skin contact, no malolactic fermentation and no oak, to retain the purity and character of each variety.