The Producer
The Clos de la Barthassade is an estate created by Hélène and Guillaume Baron, who settled in the Terrasses du Larzac after training in Burgundy. The first vintage was produced in 2014, with the ambition to create precise, expressive wines that are true to their terroir.
Located in Aniane, in the heart of the Terrasses du Larzac, the estate has about 13 hectares of vines spread over several plots in Montpeyroux, Jonquières, and Saint-Saturnin. The stony terrace soils and limestone scree host Syrah, Grenache, Cinsault, Mourvèdre, Carignan, and Chenin. The vineyard is managed organically, with some practices inspired by biodynamics.
Hélène and Guillaume Baron favor natural parcel vinifications, using indigenous yeasts, without the addition of sulfites during fermentation, as well as gentle extractions to preserve the fruit and the finesse of the tannins. The aging combines stainless steel tanks, oak barrels, and demi-muids, depending on the cuvées. The estate offers a range of reds, whites, and rosés that combines freshness, depth, and expression of the Languedoc terroir.
The Wine
Average age of the vines: 35 years
Cordon de Royat pruning
Terroir on stony terraces (limestone scree) in Montpeyroux (Place called La Barthassade) and in Jonquières (Place called Les Combarioles and Bois de Paulhau)
Yields: 25 hl/ha
VINIFICATIONS: whole harvest (60% for grenache and 50% for syrah), gravity filling and draining, pump-overs during 2/3 of fermentation then punch downs, temperature control, maceration for 3 weeks
AGING: 22 months in demi-muids, barrels, and concrete egg
Tasting
Aromatic on very ripe black fruits, licorice, and a smoky side, dense mouthfeel, soft tannins, finish on licorice and eucalyptus.
Best enjoyed at 16-17°C
A cassoulet from Castelnaudary or a small salted dish with lentils, a bottle of Les Ouvrées (or, let's be crazy, a magnum), and you will be in heaven.