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.
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.
