La Barthassade tells the story from Helene and Guillaume Baron.

They 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.

After a few years, they wanted to have vines of their own and the terroirs in the Terrasses du Larzac became an obvious choice. While they were looking for an opportunity to buy land here, they moved south and worked at Trévallon in Provence, learning how to handle more powerful grape varieties.

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.

In the winery, the philosophy of slow pace and attention to detail continues, with very few interventions/additions made, or none at all. They use gravity, indigenous yeasts, soft extraction, concrete vats to reinforce the limestone character of the wines, and foudres for longer and gentler ageing of the reds. Their wines are bursting with energy, refined structure, and elegance - they are full of freshness, with a finesse that connects to the couple's first love of Burgundy and Pinot Noir.