Guilhem Barré, Organic & Natural Wines in Cabardès

Located on the outskirts of Carcassonne in the commune of Ventenac-Cabardès, Guilhem Barré has been passionately tending his 5 hectares of vines at the foot of the foothills of the Montagne Noire since 2008. Despite an unconventional career path – from a degree in psychology to the wine barrel – and a somewhat hasty entry into the world of wine, Guilhem knows exactly what he wants and where he is going. It is with a deep respect for life and a firm intention to promote his terroir that he immediately embraced organic farming. In just a few years, he has propelled his wines to the very top, restoring the prestige of a small appellation tucked away between the Atlantic and the Mediterranean. Welcome to Cabardès!

Cabardès, a wine region at a crossroads

Cabardès is a small appellation covering 550 hectares, straddling two climatic zones—Atlantic and Mediterranean—and bathed in both easterly and westerly winds. It produces both south-western grape varieties (Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon) and Languedoc varieties (Grenache, Syrah), each of which must account for at least 40% of the blend. In addition, Malbec, Cinsault and Fer Servadou are also found here. This contrast of climates and grape varieties creates a harmonious blend that leaves much to the winemaker’s discretion.

Wines without artifice

Guilhem Barré manages his entire vineyard using organic farming methods. He uses no chemical fertilisers or weedkillers, preferring to add organic matter and plough the soil to keep it alive. The vineyard is protected exclusively using organic products. All synthetic products are banned. This respect for the terroir ensures the preservation of the yeasts naturally present on the grape skins. Fermentation therefore takes place without the addition of industrial yeasts. The result is unadulterated wines, characterised by their terroir of origin.

A few photos of the Guilhem Barré estate

Excessive alcohol consumption is harmful to health; please drink in moderation.
In accordance with the Public Health Code, wines, sweet wines and beers have an alcohol content of between 3% and 18%