Tâcheron
Limoux, Languedoc-Roussillon
Tâcherons is the collaborative project of David Serodes and Boris Kovač, two winemakers united by a shared vision for expressive, terroir-driven wines. Their estate is situated in Limoux, within the Haute Vallée de l’Aude, at the foot of the Pyrenees. This region's cool climate and high altitude, around 350 meters, offer ideal conditions for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, producing wines that precisely reflect the elegance of variety and region.
The name "Tâcherons" honors the Burgundian tradition of remunerating vineyard workers for each task performed, known as "pieceworkers." This homage is reflected on the labels, which feature the traditional "cisaille" pruning shears and "hirondelle" plow, underscoring the meticulous craftsmanship behind each bottle.
Serodes and Kovač approach winemaking with a commitment to sustainable practices and a deep respect for the land. They collaborate closely with their vineyard partners, selecting plots and determining harvest dates to ensure the best expression of the terroir. In the cellar, they employ gentle techniques to preserve the freshness and character of the fruit, resulting in wines that are pure, mineral, and approachable.
Tâcherons captures the essence of Limoux: the interplay of cool climate, limestone-rich soils, and the dedication of its makers. These wines are a testament to the harmony between tradition and innovation, offering insight into the region's unique character.
2024 Chardonnay
The Tâcherons Chardonnay comes from high-altitude parcels in Limoux, planted in clay-limestone soils that give the wine its lift and precision. The vines, some up to 50 years old, are hand-harvested and sorted.
Winemaking
Grapes are hand-harvested and gently pressed using a gravity-loaded pneumatic press. The juice is cold-settled at 10°C without enzymes before being inoculated and fermented in 80 hL stainless steel vats at around 14°C over three to four weeks. Malolactic fermentation is carried out systematically depending on seasonal conditions.
The wine remains on fine lees for 8 months, enhancing texture and complexity, before gentle filtration prior to bottling. This careful approach preserves purity and clarity while adding subtle richness to the palate.
Tasting Note
Bright and precise, the wine shows citrus, white stone fruit, and delicate floral notes. A crisp mineral backbone and fine length balance the texture from lees ageing, resulting in a Chardonnay that is both focused and approachable, reflecting the high-altitude Limoux terroir.
2024 Pinot Noir
The Pinot Noir comes from carefully selected Limoux parcels, also planted at higher altitudes to preserve freshness and elegance. The clay-limestone soils and cool mountain breezes produce grapes with tension, bright red fruit, and a refined structure.
Winemaking
The grapes are hand-picked and gravity-fed into 80 hL stainless steel vats. A cold maceration precedes a slow fermentation over 3 to 5 days at 15–20°C. The blend comes from multiple vats, some inoculated, others fermenting with indigenous yeasts, with 20–50% whole grapes in certain vats. Regular pump-overs manage extraction, and fermentation temperatures peak at 25°C, with a slight rise at the end of alcoholic fermentation.
The wine spends 8 months ageing, 80% in stainless steel and 20% in barrels, before gentle filtration and sulfiting prior to bottling. This careful approach preserves the purity and vibrancy of the fruit while providing structure and subtle complexity.
Tasting Note
Bright red cherries, raspberries, and subtle spice define the nose and palate, complemented by a delicate tannic grip and a refreshing mineral lift. The wine balances elegance with energy, reflecting both the precision of the vineyard and the careful hand of its makers.