Description
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.
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.
Vintage Information
| Grape varieties | 100% Sauvignon Blanc |
| Region | Pomérols, Languedoc |
| Winemaker | Graeme Paul |
| Alcohol (ABV) | 12.5% |