Chemins de Bassac

I visited other domains too, but this one was the perfect fit: certified organic, the right size we were looking for, with a cellar well in place. And we also liked the fact that, unlike the areas in France where a certain status quo is established, Languedoc is way more dynamic, open to new things,” Bruno explains. After a couple of years of transition and learning from the previous owners, Bruno and Thama took complete control over all things vine and wine in 2019. “I see that as the true ‘first vintage’ for us because that’s when the vineyards became Demeter-certified and we really started to make wine our way.”

Their arrival indeed marks a whole new era for this respectable old domain (established in the late 19th century, practicing organic since the 1980s): the adventurous one where no enological preparations or additives, save for a little bit of sulfur, are used. It’s not an easy path, Bruno admits, especially for someone who’s still new to it, “but I feel we can and should trust our grapes and the good vineyard work that’s behind them. And…” he grows more solemn, “I was really traumatized by the migraines, suffering that only went away once I stopped eating and drinking industrialized produce. And if I don’t want additives for myself, I don’t want them for anybody.” Luckily for them, their neighbor just across the road is one Jean-Francois Coutelou, a long-term pioneer of natural winemaking in the area. “There’s no such thing as making wine alone,” Bruno nods.

About the Winemaker

Chemins de Bassac

Bruno Trigueiro's journey to winemaking at Chemins de Bassac in Puimisson, France, represents a profound shift from his bustling life as an architect in Sao Paolo. Drawn by the promise of a healthier lifestyle and inspired by the dynamic atmosphere of Languedoc, Bruno and his wife Thama embraced the opportunity to manage the organic-certified estate in 2016. Transitioning from urban life to vineyard stewardship, they took full control in 2019, marking a significant milestone with Demeter certification and a commitment to natural winemaking practices. Rejecting enological additives in favor of trust in meticulous vineyard work, Bruno's ethos reflects personal experience, having overcome migraines by eschewing industrialized products.

The Region

Languedoc-Roussillon, France

In the sun-kissed vineyards of Languedoc-Roussillon, the natural wine movement thrives, intertwining tradition with innovation in every sip. Embracing organic and biodynamic practices, winemakers here eschew additives and interventions, allowing the terroir to speak authentically through each bottle. From the rugged foothills of the Pyrenees to the coastal plains along the Mediterranean, diverse microclimates nurture a rich tapestry of grape varietals, including Carignan, Grenache, and Mourvèdre, among others. These wines, marked by their purity and vitality, reflect not only the region's ancient winemaking heritage but also its commitment to sustainability and respect for the land. In Languedoc-Roussillon, natural wine isn't just a trend; it's a way of life, encapsulating the essence of the land and the passion of its people in every pour.