Baron de Badassiere

Baron de Badassière wines originate from Picpoul de Pinet, a coastal appellation in Languedoc, produced exclusively for us through a partnership with the Cave de Pomérols cooperative. The name honours a vineyard that belonged to Baron Charles Emmanuel in the 18th century—a figure with a colourful past near the small town of Pomérols. What sets these wines apart is the winemaking philosophy: minimal intervention, no oak, no malolactic fermentation, and careful parcel selection by winemaker Marguerite Vasseur. The result is pure, food-friendly wine that tastes of where it comes from, not the winemaker's hand.

About Baron de Badassière

The vineyard sits on clay-limestone terraces overlooking the Étang de Thau, the largest lagoon in a chain stretching along the French coast. This location is everything: a sunny Mediterranean climate ripens the fruit, while maritime breezes from the lagoon preserve freshness and aromatics. The grapes are both machine and hand-harvested to capture quality fruit at its peak. Marguerite Vasseur's approach is non-interventionist across the entire range. Grapes are selected as they arrive at the winery—only the best parcels make the cut. In the cellar, Marguerite's philosophy centres on restraint: the grapes see either minimal contact with their skins or none at all, the fermentation proceeds without malolactic conversion, and oak ageing is entirely avoided. This restraint preserves the purity of each variety and the character of the vintage. The result is wine that expresses the terroir directly: the mineral salinity of the lagoon, the limestone in the soil, the ripeness of southern France without heaviness or oak mask. For a customer, this means you get clarity. A Sauvignon Blanc tastes like Sauvignon Blanc. A Picpoul tastes like the Étang de Thau. These are wines designed to drink well now, to pair with food, and to respect the honest character of the grapes.

Baron de Badassière Wines in Our Collection

The range spans both white and red. The 2025 Picpoul de Pinet is the signature wine—green and flinty, it captures the coastal character of the appellation and pairs brilliantly with shellfish and seafood. The 2025 Sauvignon Blanc IGP Côtes de Thau and 2025 Viognier IGP Côtes de Thau offer tropical notes with balance; the Viognier in particular shows the riper, floral side of the terroir without oak softening. For red drinkers, the 2023 Syrah IGP Côtes de Thau is rich and intense—a serious wine that rewards cool cellaring. The 2024 Carignan IGP Côtes de Thau, made from one of Languedoc's traditional grapes, brings structure and earth. All are made in the same clean, parcel-selected style, so you're buying consistency of approach across the range, not just individual wines.

Food Pairing

Picpoul and Sauvignon Blanc are naturals with oysters, clams, sea bream, and cured fish. The Viognier works with roasted chicken, lighter cream sauces, and fragrant dishes like Thai fish curry. The Syrah suits grilled lamb, duck, and cured charcuterie. The Carignan, earthy and structured, pairs with game stews, beef daube, and hard cheeses. These are wines that invite you to cook and eat without fuss.

What makes Baron de Badassière different from other Languedoc producers?

These wines are made exclusively for us using minimal intervention: no oak, no malolactic fermentation, parcel selection, and careful harvesting. This preserves purity and terroir expression rather than winemaker style.

Why is the location near the Étang de Thau important?

The lagoon moderates the Mediterranean climate with maritime breezes, retaining freshness and aromatics in the grapes while allowing them to ripen fully. It gives the wines their characteristic mineral salinity.

Which wine should I choose if I'm new to Baron de Badassière?

Start with the Picpoul de Pinet—the signature appellation wine that best expresses the coastal terroir—or the Sauvignon Blanc for immediate drinking. Both show the clean, food-friendly style clearly.

Who makes Baron de Badassière wines?

Winemaker Marguerite Vasseur produces Baron de Badassière exclusively for SommPills through a partnership with Cave de Pomérols cooperative in Picpoul de Pinet, Languedoc, on clay-limestone terraces overlooking the Étang de Thau lagoon.

What style of wine does Baron de Badassière make?

Minimal-intervention, unoaked wines across white and red. Whites include Sauvignon Blanc and Viognier (tropical, balanced) and Picpoul de Pinet (green, flinty); reds are Syrah and Carignan (rich, intense). No malolactic fermentation—pure terroir expression.

How much does Baron de Badassière wine cost?

Baron de Badassière wines range between £10.30 and £12.70 per bottle. Reds start at £10.30; whites span £10.95–£12.70. All are keenly priced for daily food pairing.