Villa Baulieu
The Villa Baulieu estate is located within the crater of Provence's only volcano,...
located in Rognes. The estate has been family owned since its creation in 1576 and it is owned by the Guénat family today, who also own Château Beaulieu. The wines are made by Michel Fabre, a third generation vigneron whose keen attention to detail is focussed on making wines that express his region.
Vineyards
Both the Villa Baulieu white and red come from a small north-east facing vineyard of eight hectares at an altitude of 400 metres. This parcel was identified as exceptional by consultant winemaker Stéphane Derenoncourt, who aids Michel Fabre, a third generation wine grower, to make Villa Baulieu wines. The unique micro-climate of the vineyard allows the grapes to ripen but retain acidity from cooler night temperatures that the altitude provides, producing exceptional wines. As well as the clay and limestone soils, a large part of the vineyard is planted on basalt-rich volcanic soil, which adds to the distinct character of the wines.
Vintage Information
2013 saw the coolest May in 20 years, followed by a very fresh June, which meant flowering was 15 days later than average. Mild and warm weather in July and August continued until harvest which started in the first week of September. The resulting fruit was characterised by high acidity and lower sugar levels than normal. This resulted in a wine with a crisp, vibrant finish.
Vinification
Grapes were hand harvested with only very ripe, firm clusters being selected and carefully placed in small 10kg crates to prevent damage to the fruit and to preserve freshness. Grapes were again sorted in the winery before being pressed with their stalks in order to add a touch more aromatic complexity. The juice was lightly clarified, then vinified in large wooden vessels (4,000 litre capacity), where the wine remained for six to eight months.
Tasting Notes
On the nose, this wine is complex and elegant with aromas of citrus, lemon and fennel, along with some exotic fruit and mineral overtones. The oak gives an understated richness and paves the way to a slightly saline minerality on the palate, with a savoury hint on the finish.
Vintage Information
| Vintage | 2013 |
| Grape varieties | 60% Vermentino 40% Sauvignon Blanc |
| Region | Coteaux d'Aix-en-Provence, Provence |
| Winemaker | Michel Fabre |
| Alcohol (ABV) | 13.5% |
| Acidity | 6.2g/l |
| Residual Sugar | 0.3g/l |
| Wine pH | 3.03 |
Trade customers
Liberty Wines customers can order this wine directly from us.