Les Chemins de Bassac is an historic 19th century Languedoc estate located 12 km north of Béziers on old alluvial terraces formed by the Libron river. Planted at around a hundred meters above sea level, the 17 hectares of vines are grouped around an old chimney stack, the resting place for the horses that helped to cultivate the vines until the early 1960s. Fast forward to today and the domaine is run by young Brazilian architects Thama and Bruno Triguero, who relocated from Sao Paulo in 2016 to pursue their dream of making wine, and landed up at this privileged spot between the Mediterranean and the mountains, with none other than natural wine legend Fred Coutelou as their neighbour and mentor.Viticulture at Chemins de Bassac has been organic for more than 30 years and biodynamic since 2017, with five red varieties (Grenache, Syrah, Pinot Noir, Mourvèdre, Cabernet Sauvignon) and two white varieties (Viognier, Roussanne) cultivated. In the cellar the grapes are fermented slowly with indigenous yeasts and aged in a combination of 400 and 600 litre oak barrels and stainless steel, and once ready are bottled without filtration and for most cuvées - without sulphur.After initially importing three wines from Thama and Bruno in 2022, we were ecstatic to see the progress they have been making when we met with them this year, and are pleased to have extended our offering to eight, with the addition of two Viogniers, a Pinot Noir, and three classic Languedoc red blends.
New Era: Fleshy, hazy and nicely textured Roussanne with generous aromas of melon, apricot and honeysuckle leading to a fine, lightly spicy palate.L'Incandescente: Syrah from vines grown in clay and limestone and fermented long and slow at cool temperatures. A light and perfumed example of this noble variety that lies somewhere between deep rosé and red, with blackcurrant, violet and spicy liquorice aromas.
Les Champs des Maures: A very true varietal Cabernet Sauvignon with hallmark cassis, cedar, green pepper and spice aromas wrapped up in a concentrated body with moderate tannins.L'Univers Parallele: Savoury and juicy Grenache and Syrah blend aged in oak foudre. Redcurrant and raspberry liquorice notes at first with hints of bonfire smoke and black pepper coming through on the finish. Bouteillou: Fresh and refined pét-nat made from Viognier, the first such style we have tried from this variety. Vibrant stone fruit - peach, apricot - and chamomile on the nose. Fine bubbles carry the palate with more stone fruit and a touch of white pepper on the finish.Sagarana: Full-bodied old vine blend of Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre. Intense, spicy blackberry and plum fruit with plenty of savoury depth and well integrated oak after several years in both barrel and bottle.Sans Script: Unfined and unfiltered natural Viognier. Very fresh on the nose with green apple, pear and lemon zest aromas. Hints of peach and hazelnut develop on the palate with a pleasant creaminess.Pleine Lune: Deep and savoury Pinot Noir with a touch of Mourvèdre. The former brings silky, smoky red and black fruit while the latter lends a spicy, herbal intensity.