Baronarques Blanc - Limoux 2023
A great white wine to discover !
A few magnums can be available, with an additional cost for the format.
Domaine de Baronarques: a centuries-old history
Domaine de Baronarques, located near Limoux in the Languedoc region, dates back to 780, though it was acquired by the Rothschild family in 1998. The estate covers 110 hectares, with 43 hectares under vine, nestled on a piedmont. Situated 400 km from the Atlantic and 100 km from the Mediterranean, the vineyard benefits from both climates, receiving ample sunlight and balanced rainfall. Its proximity to the Pyrenees moderates summer heat, with vineyard altitudes ranging from 250 to 350 meters. The soil is primarily clay-limestone, with some gravelly and sandy parcels.
The 2023 vintage
After a mild and relatively dry winter, especially in February, the vine growth cycle started early. Budbreak began on 20 March for the Chardonnay, in line with 2022. For the red grape varieties it occurred slightly later, from 5 to 13 April, after a cold snap at the beginning of the month which brought some frost, though our plots remained unaffected. Flowering started in late May for the Chardonnay and early June for the Cabernet Sauvignon in almost tropical conditions, as 180mm aggregate rainfall over the two months was compounded by very warm weather, especially in June. These conditions spurred the spread of mildew, causing some crop loss, mainly of Merlot grapes. A north-west wind then settled in, halting the spread of mildew and keeping the crop healthy until harvest. The weather in July and early August was somewhat cooler, so that veraison occurred rather later and lasted longer than usual. Temperatures subsequently rose above 43° C in the shade over a four-day period during a heatwave from 17 to 24 August. However, water reserves in the soil ensured that the vines got enough water, avoiding the kind of adverse hydric stress that can halt the maturing process. Hot weather and low rainfall in September made for small grapes, reducing yields for red grape varieties.