Description

Hard to hide the grape variety of Hélène and Guillaume’s little darling… The grapes come from a vine planted on limestone. The wine is released as Vin de France. Like all the whites from the estate, it is aged in barrels for 18 months.Having both trained and cut their teeth in Burgundy, it was obvious that Hélène and Guillaume would eventually vinify Chardonnay… And those who have tasted the previous two vintages now know what the couple is capable of with this grape variety: a classy and complex Chardonnay, raised with great mastery and, at the same time, a gourmand and hedonistic side that can appeal to a wide audience. The aroma is rich and expansive, liberated, without falling into exuberance, with lots of white fruits (apple, pear, white peach) and a more serious ‘block’ on warm bread, cereal notes, and a mineral sensation. The overall composition is quite superb.

Guillaume and Helene Baron graduated from viticultural training then worked for some of the most respected winemakers Sylvain Pataille, domaine de la Pousse dOr and , Trevallon and Dominique Derain  groundbreaking estates in France before seeking their own piece of land. One of the few great appellations of the world that is still approachable for young vignerons, the Terrasses du Larzac is about 45 minutes northwest of Montpellier in the Languedoc. The rugged, dry, windy lands are home to many legendary producers–Mas de Daumas Gassac, Montcalmes and Grange des Pères to name a few. It is here the Barons staked their claim, acquiring 25 acres of vineyards and producing their first vintage in 2014.

The vineyards are cultivated with biodynamic practices; concrete eggs, temperature-controlled stainless-steel tanks and old barrels are used in the cellar; and the wines are moved only by gravity. Guillaume takes the unusual step-rare for Languedoc–of using 50 to 80 percent whole cluster, depending on the cuvee, which imparts the wines with a very unique character. The results are extremely impressive. Their wine speaks clearly of its origin, but always with elegance, balance and purity of fruit. The potential of this domaine cannot be overstated.