Country: France  Region: Languedoc  Vintage: 2018 Category: White Wine  Color: White Producer: Baron de Badassière "The Baron de Badassière wines come from the Picpoul de Pinet region, which lies near the coast in the Languedoc. The name derives from the Badassière vineyard, situated 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 New Zealand winemaker Graeme Paul, along with consultant Matt Thomson, at the Cave de Pomérols co-operative. The region benefits from a sunny, warm climate that encourages ripe flavours in the wines, while the coastal breezes help retain freshness and aromatics. The Picpoul de Pinet is the co-operative's speciality and Graeme selects parcels of grapes as they enter the winery to ensure that the best quality fruit goes into the wine.His approach is non-interventionist - with minimal or no skin contact, no malolactic fermentation and no oak - to retain the purity of varietal character." Winemaker: Graeme Paul 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. 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 flavours. Winemaker Graeme Paul did not allow malolactic fermentation to take place and there was no oak ageing. 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. Food Suggestion: Enjoy with soft cheeses, crisp salads and fresh seafood. Closure: Stelvin  ABV:12.5%