Clos de la Barthassade, Languedoc 'Cuvee H' 2022
Hélène and Guillaume met in Burgundy studying wine in Dijon. They both learnt the ropes from local legends, including Sylvain Pataille in Marsannay for Hélène, and Dominique Derain in St Aubain and Clos de la Pousse d’Or in Volnay for Guillaume. They found their first plot of old vines, called La Barthassade, in Montpeyroux in 2013. Today the couple farm 13.5 Ha - certified organic and using biodynamics - working their old vines with a horse. Clos la Barthassade is now spread over the terroirs of Montpeyroux, Jonquières and Saint-Saturnin with grape varieties including Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre, Cinsault, Carignan, Carignan Blanc, Roussanne, Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay, Vermentino, and even some Aligoté.
Grape variety : 70% Syrah, 15% Mouvedre, 15% Grenache Terroir : Limestone rich soils around Montpeyroux and Jonquières Average age of the vines : 35 years Winemaking : Indigenous yeasts, 50% Fermented in whole clusters. Pumping over and punch downs take place within the first 2/3 of fermentation. All temperature controlled, in Stainless Steel vats for 3 weeks. Ageing : 10 months total ageing, 80% in Stainless Steel and 20% in small barrels