Carignan IGP Côtes de Thau, Baron de Badassière, Languedoc, France, 2022

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 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 Matt Thomson, at the Cave de Pomérols cooperative where the Vignes de L'Eglise range is also produced. The grapes were destemmed and macerated on their skins for one week, then pressed in a pneumatic press. The must was cold settled and then fermented at a controlled temperature of 17 - 24°C for two weeks, with regular pumping over. The wine was unoaked but aged for nearly eight months in stainless-steel tanks to ensure the tannins and flavours were well integrated.The Carignan grapes for this wine were grown in vineyards around Badassière in the Languedoc. The vines are located on clay-limestone terraces called "Costières" overlooking the Étang de Thau lagoons. They enjoy a Mediterranean climate tempered by maritime influences and a microclimate under the influence of the Étang de Thau.

Food pairing ideas: with its bold red fruit and earthy-meaty notes, Carignan is ideal with richer poultry dishes (turkey, duck), roasted pork, or even a meaty beef brisket.

This wine is bright red in colour with deep purple hints. The nose is aromatic and lifted, with cassis, plum and herbs giving way to spice and a touch of game. The palate is medium to full with attractive berry fruit intensity, fresh acidity and firm but smooth tannins. 100% Carignano/Carignan .

Feature(s): Vegan, Vegetarian
Winemaker: Eva Pemper
Alcohol (ABV): 13 %
Acidity: 5.22 g/l
Residual sugar: 2.97 g/l
pH: 3.48