So I tweeted (or is it twote?) recently that the first wine we sold out of at work was rather interestingly a Picpoul de Pinet. How, I ask you, could I let something like that go by without passing comment, hmm? Well I just couldn't. So here are my thoughts on what turned out to be a trio of fab little wines from the South of France:
Baron de Badassiere is the name on the bottles here, the grapes from the Picpoul de Pinet region of Languedoc. The wines are made by kiwi winemaker Graeme Paul at a co-op named Cave de Pomerols.
Baron de Badassiere Sauvignon Blanc, 2009
Lemon-gold in colour, the Sauvignon puts forward fairly lively aromas of gooseberry, citrus fruits and green apple. The palate is refreshing and zippy, with a respectable transition from lemon and apple through to a surprising tweak of minerality. Varietal accuracy seems to be the goal with this one and it doesn't disappoint.
Baron de Badassiere Viognier. 2009
Although a bright looking wine in the glass, you really have to stick your nose in this one. The rewards are there however with lemon zest, apricots and orange blossom. On the palate, the apricot continues, with a twist of pink grapefruit. The Viognier finishes on a bit of a down note with a slightly over-ripe resemblance of tinned pineapple. Good all-rounder though.
Baron de Badassiere Picpoul de Pinet, 2009
A pale lemon-green wine here. The official tasting note from Liberty Wines says "fresh fruit aromas and some floral notes". My scribbled notes at the time of drinking say "youthful, pear, orange blossom, unripe mango, petrol". The quirkiness continues on to the palate with good acidity and flavours of orange, grapefruit, pear and white peach. An elegant finish rounds off a wine that terms like 'more-ish' were coined for.
In conclusion then, at £8 a bottle I'd be satisfied with the Viognier, pleased with the Sauvignon and come back time and time again for that cheeky little Picpoul - a really great wine for the price.
All three are exclusive to Liberty Wines and can be bought (from me!) at Berits & Brown, Edinburgh.
Big thanks to Simon & Audrey for this one.
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