Clos de le Barthassade
Languedoc, Terrasses du Larzac, France
Clos de la Barthassade was founded by Hélène and Guillaume Baron, who made their first vintage in 2014 after training and working in Burgundy and Provence. They settled in the Terrasses du Larzac, in the Languedoc, drawn by the area’s ability to produce ripe, expressive wines while holding on to freshness. The name comes from the Occitan word bartàs, meaning scrub or thicket, a reference to the dense woodland beside their original vineyard plots.
The estate now covers around 13 hectares, spread across several parcels near Montpeyroux, Jonquières and Saint-Saturnin. The vineyards sit on varied soils, including limestone scree, and are farmed organically, with some work guided by biodynamic principles. The couple take a hands-on approach in the vines, aiming to respect the soils and let the differences between individual sites come through in the wines.
Syrah, Grenache, Mourvèdre, Cinsault and Carignan form the backbone of the red range, while Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay, Roussanne and other white varieties bring variety to the whites. The wines are often made parcel by parcel, with traditional ageing in barrels, larger oak casks and concrete vessels, depending on the cuvée. The aim is to capture the fruit and character of each grape and vineyard without losing the freshness that makes the region so interesting.
There’s plenty of personality across the range. Les Ouvrées is a structured red blend of Syrah, Mourvèdre and Grenache, aged for around 20 months in a combination of oak and concrete. Les Gravettes takes a more Grenache-led approach, with Cinsault and Syrah adding lift and complexity. For something more focused on a single variety, Pur C showcases Cinsault, while K Libre puts Carignan in the spotlight. The estate also makes distinctive whites, including Les Cargadous, a blend of Roussanne and Chenin Blanc.
Clos de la Barthassade is part of the new wave of Languedoc producers showing that southern French wines can have both generosity and energy. The warm climate gives the fruit plenty of depth, while cooler nights, varied soils and careful vineyard work help keep the wines balanced. With organic farming, thoughtful winemaking and a range that explores both blends and individual varieties, this is a domaine well worth knowing if you enjoy characterful wines from the south of France.
