Mas Baux: Serge Baux, a Winemaker's Career Transition in Perpignan
At age 50, Serge Baux took on the challenge of breathing new life into an old Catalan farmhouse that had been abandoned for years. He saw in it an extraordinary piece of land just a few miles from the Mediterranean, and above all, the ideal place for his new career: winemaker.
Serge Baux, a former farmer turned winemaker 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 be fooled by his winemaker’s attire: Serge wasn’t born in the vineyards. Before developing a passion for southern grape varieties, he worked for a company that sold industrial raw materials. A world away from the vines, that’s where his interest in wine first took root.
“I had many Belgian clients who worked for large companies. Whenever I suggested a few restaurants to them, my clients would look at the wine list before even ordering their meals. They were the ones who introduced me to high-quality wines!”
So in 1997, Serge decided to buy a small estate and make his own wine. He found this hidden gem through friends who knew of his desire to get started: Mas Baux, a few hectares of vineyards in a little slice of paradise.
Le Mas Baux, an exceptional terroir in Canet-En-Roussillon
Before Serge arrived, the estate had been abandoned for a long time. The newly converted winemaker was quickly convinced of the value of this land. But before he could realize its full potential, he had to clear almost everything away. “I uprooted nearly 80% of the vineyard to replant with young vines, which are now 15 years old.”
Although he 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 bring out the very best in the vines, which is why the grapes are harvested by hand.
His favorite grape variety? Mourvèdre. He’s always wanted to include a little of this variety in each of his blends. Now, a 100% Mourvèdre cuvée has been released: Mataro Boy. It’s a tribute to the Catalan name for the grape variety—and especially to one of his friends who used to call him that.
Our Estate's Favorite Cuvées:
Mas Baux’s “Rouge à lèvres” wine wins a gold medal at the Millésime Bio trade show
When Serge isn’t in the vineyards, he’s attending wine fairs. The most recent one? Millésime Bio, which had a nice surprise in store for him. His Rouge à Lèvres rosé won the gold medal in the official competition. There’s no Mourvèdre in this one—just Cabernet Sauvignon. A nice reward for a wine we highly recommend as the warmer weather arrives!
In the summer, Marie-Pierre, his wife, makes her mark. Having directed the Perpignan Summer Festival for 25 years, she has found a way to combine her profession with Mas Baux. She has stayed in touch with many artists, who are happy to come and give small performances amidst the vineyards. These evenings conclude with a tasting of the wines for which Mas Baux is renowned, and the audience always leaves delighted.
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