The professional reconversion of Serge Baux, winegrower at Mas Baux

At the age of 50, Serge Baux took the gamble of reviving an old Catalan farmhouse that had been abandoned for years. He saw in it an extraordinary terroir a few kilometers from the Mediterranean, and above all the ideal place for his new profession: winegrower.

Serge Baux, converted winemaker near Perpignan

At the moment, the vineyard is sleeping, so Serge Baux takes the opportunity to talk about his estate, Mas Baux, nestled in a Catalan farmhouse inCanet-En-Roussillonbetween Perpignan and the coast. Serge is just like his wines: warm and authentic, with a southern accent that breathes sunshine and evenings with friends.

Don't be fooled by his winegrower's outfit: Serge was not born in the vineyards. Before he became passionate about southern grape varieties, he worked in a company that sold industrial raw materials. A thousand miles away from the vineyards, it is nevertheless there that his interest in wine manifested itself.

"I had many Belgian customers who were part of large companies. Every time I offered them several restaurants, my clients would look at the wine list before ordering the dishes. They were the ones who guided me to the qualitative wines! "

So in 1997, Serge set out to buy a small estate and make his own wine. He found the nugget he was looking for through friends who knew of his desire to start a business: Mas Baux, a few hectares of vines in a small 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 by the value of this land. But before exploiting all this potential, he had to remove almost everything. "I tore up nearly 80% of the surface, to replant young vines that are now 15 years old. "

Although he has only beencertified organiconly 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 out of the vines, which is why the harvest is done by hand.

His favorite grape variety? Mourvèdre. He has always wanted to include a little of this variety in each of his blends. Today, a 100% Mourvèdre wine is born:Mataro Boy. A tribute to the name of the grape variety in Catalan, and especially to one of his friends who called him that.

Our favorite vintages from the estate:

Rouge à Lèvres 2018

La vie en Rouge 2017

Mataro Boy 2019

Mas Baux's "Rouge à Lèvres" vintage wins gold medal at Millésime Bio

When Serge is not in the vineyards, he is visiting wine fairs. The latest one?Millésime Bio His rosé Rouge à Lèvres won a gold medal at the official competition. No Mourvèdre in this one, but Cabernet-Sauvignon. A nice reward for a wine that we recommend at the arrival of the beautiful days!

In summer, we find the touch of Marie-Pierre, his wife. The woman who directed the Perpignan summer festival for 25 years has found a way to link her work with Mas Baux. She has kept in touch with many artists, who come with pleasure to give small performances in the middle of the vineyards. These evenings end with a tasting of the wines for which Mas Baux is famous, and the spectators always leave delighted.

Tiphaine for Les Grappes