The career change of Serge Baux, winemaker at Mas Baux
At 50, Serge Baux took on the challenge of reviving an old Catalan farmhouse that had been abandoned for years. He saw in it an extraordinary terroir just a few kilometers from the Mediterranean, and above all, the ideal place for his new profession: winemaker.
Serge Baux, a winemaker who changed careers near Perpignan
Right now, the vines are dormant, so Serge Baux is taking the opportunity to talk about his estate, Mas Baux, nestled in a Catalan farmhouse in Canet-en-Roussillon , between Perpignan and the coast. Serge is just like his wines: warm and authentic, with a southern accent that evokes sunshine and evenings spent with friends.
Don't let his winemaker's attire fool you: Serge wasn't born among the vines. Before developing a passion for southern grape varieties, he worked for a company that sold industrial raw materials. A world away from the vines, yet it was there that his interest in wine first emerged.
"I had many Belgian clients who worked for large companies. Every time I suggested several restaurants to them, my clients would look at the wine list before even ordering their food. They were the ones who guided me towards quality wines!"
In 1997, Serge decided to buy a small estate and make his own wine. The gem he unearthed was found through friends who knew of his desire to start his own business: Mas Baux, a few hectares of vines in a little paradise.
Mas Baux, an exceptional terroir in Canet-En-Roussillon
Before Serge, the estate had been abandoned for a long time. The newly converted winemaker was quickly convinced of the value of this land. But before exploiting its full potential, almost everything had to be cleared. "I uprooted nearly 80% of the surface area to replant young vines that are now 15 years old."
Although it has only been certified organic since 2009, Serge Baux has always worked this way. From the moment he acquired the estate in 1997, he has strived to get only the best from the vines, which is why the harvest is done by hand.
His favorite grape variety? Mourvèdre. He always wanted to include a little of this grape in each of his blends. Today, a 100% Mourvèdre cuvée is being released: Mataro Boy . A tribute to the name of the grape variety in Catalan, and especially to one of his friends who nicknamed him that.
Our favorite wines from the estate:
The "Lipstick" vintage from Mas Baux won a gold medal at the Millésime Bio trade fair.
When Serge isn't in the vineyards, he's attending wine fairs. His latest? Millésime Bio, which brought him a wonderful surprise. His Rouge à Lèvres rosé won a gold medal at the official competition. This one doesn't contain Mourvèdre, but Cabernet Sauvignon. A fine reward for a wine we highly recommend as the warmer weather arrives!
In the summer, the influence of Marie-Pierre, his wife, is evident. Having directed the Perpignan summer festival for 25 years, she has found a way to connect her profession with Mas Baux. She has maintained contact with numerous artists, who happily come to perform short shows amidst the vineyards. These evenings conclude with a tasting of the wines that have made Mas Baux famous, and the audience always leaves delighted.
Tiphaine for Les Grappes
Les dernières nouveautés
Les cuvées fraîchement arrivées en cave
