2018 La Petite Baigneuse Trinquette

WINEMAKER: Philippe Wies
REGION: Roussillon, FR
VARIETAL: Grenache, Carignan
VITICULTURE: Organic/Biodynamic

"La Petite Baigneuse (The Little Bather) was established in 2007 by Philippe Wies and his wife Celine. Originally market garden farmers, of heirloom vegetables and rare breed chickens, in the Ardeche, they sold in 2005, packed up their bags and young children and spent 18 months sailing around the Northern Hemisphere. Returning to France, they went looking for property, Philippe having the wish to make wine. They purchased 8.5 hectares of vines near the village of St Paul de Fenouillet in the appellation of Maury. Philippe has the highest vineyards in the appellation of Maury at 370 meters altitude, ensuing cooler night time temperatures during summer months. It is also special for the Tramontane winds — the strong cold winds that pass between the Pyrenees and Massif Central on average 200 days per year.

Since taking over in 2007, everything is organically grown with some biodynamic methods used, adapted where necessary to the climate and location. The soil now teems with life and energy. In February 2020 when I visited Philippe we spoke about the rapidly changing climate, especially in Languedoc-Roussillon. In the spring (April) they planted peach, olive and almond trees, for poly-culture of the soil and to hopefully provide some shade protection. He is also experimenting with goats milk whey in his spray to protect the vines, with good results so far. Philippe has constructed and built everything himself, engaging local tradesman for extra manpower where necessary. This includes the winery, which is built into the side of the land, the concrete fermentation tanks and the press." - Liz Carey, Vivant Selections