FAT bastard

Products

Good friends Thierry (renowned French winemaker) and Guy (British wine industry rebel) created FAT bastard almost by accident. It started out as an experiment Thierry had going in the back of his cellar, leaving a barrel “on the lees” (yeast cells). He didn’t know what to expect, but when he and Guy tried the wine, Thierry exclaimed, with a strong French accent, ”Now zat iz what you call eh Phet bast-ard!” This very British expression perfectly described the wine’s wonderful color and round, rich palate, so that’s what they named it. 

Location of Vineyard

Produced in partnership with Gabriel Meffre and crafted from the low-yielding vineyards of the Languedoc-Roussillon region of France, the wine is remarkably full bodied with a vibrant, fruit-forward style. It is no wonder that Time magazine has referred to FAT bastard as, “Wine for the anti-snob.”

Winemaking and Viticulture Philosophy

As the winemaker at Fat Bastard, Pascale Abadie brings her technical mastery and creative vision to craft bold, expressive wines. Her deep understanding of terroir-driven winemaking and dedication to quality have made her a key player in the industry. Pascale's approach balances tradition with innovation, ensuring that every bottle maintains the signature richness and intensity that Fat Bastard wines are known for: Fabulously Full Bodied! Passionate about sustainability and the future of winemaking, Pascale is also actively involved in initiatives that promote responsible viticulture and environmental stewardship.

ESG Practices

Vegan Practices
Sustainable Practices
Woman-Led

Brand Materials

POS Materials Linkout FAT bastard's website Linkout Acclaim Linkout

Winery Profile

Owner: Gabriel Meffre
Winemaker: Pascale Abadie
Founded: 1997

FAT bastard

Products

Good friends Thierry (renowned French winemaker) and Guy (British wine industry rebel) created FAT bastard almost by accident. It started out as an experiment Thierry had going in the back of his cellar, leaving a barrel “on the lees” (yeast cells). He didn’t know what to expect, but when he and Guy tried the wine, Thierry exclaimed, with a strong French accent, ”Now zat iz what you call eh Phet bast-ard!” This very British expression perfectly described the wine’s wonderful color and round, rich palate, so that’s what they named it. 

Location of Vineyard

Produced in partnership with Gabriel Meffre and crafted from the low-yielding vineyards of the Languedoc-Roussillon region of France, the wine is remarkably full bodied with a vibrant, fruit-forward style. It is no wonder that Time magazine has referred to FAT bastard as, “Wine for the anti-snob.”

Winemaking and Viticulture Philosophy

As the winemaker at Fat Bastard, Pascale Abadie brings her technical mastery and creative vision to craft bold, expressive wines. Her deep understanding of terroir-driven winemaking and dedication to quality have made her a key player in the industry. Pascale's approach balances tradition with innovation, ensuring that every bottle maintains the signature richness and intensity that Fat Bastard wines are known for: Fabulously Full Bodied! Passionate about sustainability and the future of winemaking, Pascale is also actively involved in initiatives that promote responsible viticulture and environmental stewardship.

ESG Practices

Vegan Practices
Sustainable Practices
Woman-Led

Brand Materials

POS Materials Linkout FAT bastard's website Linkout Acclaim Linkout

Winery Profile

Owner: Gabriel Meffre
Winemaker: Pascale Abadie
Founded: 1997
FAT bastard Merlot

Vintage

2023

Varietal

Merlot

Location

Vin de Pays d'Oc, France
FAT bastard Cabernet Sauvignon

Vintage

2024

Varietal

Cabernet Sauvignon

Location

Vin de Pays d'Oc, France
FAT bastard Syrah

Vintage

2023

Varietal

Syrah/Shiraz & Syrah/Shiraz-based Blends

Location

Vin de Pays d'Oc, France
More from FAT bastard
FAT bastard Syrah

Vintage

2023

Varietal

Syrah/Shiraz & Syrah/Shiraz-based Blends

Location

Vin de Pays d'Oc, France
FAT bastard Pinot Noir

Vintage

2024

Varietal

Pinot Noir/Pinot Nero & Pinot Noir-based Blends

Location

Vin de Pays d'Oc, France
FAT bastard Chardonnay

Vintage

2024

Varietal

Chardonnay & Chardonnay-based blends

Location

Vin de Pays d'Oc, France
More from FAT bastard
Silver
FAT bastard Chardonnay 2009
San Francisco International Wine Competition
Gold
FAT bastard Pinot Noir 2008
Critic's Challenge International Wine Competition
90
POINTS
les FRÈRES Bastards Red 2022
“This delicious red blend expresses aromas of crushed strawberries and dried rose petals on the nose. Juicy red fruit and supple tannins drive the palate, and dried herbs and a savory umami notes deliver some complexity.” – (Best Buy)
Wine Enthusiast
90
POINTS
les FRÈRES Bastards Rose 2022
“The raspberry and rose petals aromas on the nose of this red blend are expressive and inviting. Bright acidity is joined by flavors of cherry, lavender and black-tea flavors that lead to plush tannins and a spicy finish."–  (Best Buy)
Wine Enthusiast
90
POINTS
FAT bastard Chardonnay 2020
“Although the name of the wine indicates a full-bodied profile, we find it quite balanced. The richness of toffee plays in the pen with tart green apple and a hit of hazelnut. Oak integrates well, with a sense of charred lemon-marshmallow on the finish.”– (Top Chardonnays Under $25)
The Tasting Panel
90
POINTS
les FRÈRES Bastards Red 2018
“Every time I open a bottle of Fat Bastard wine, I have to admit I laugh–not because of the name itself, per se, but due to the fact that every time I look at myself in the mirror these days I think: ‘Wow, you are one fat bastard’ (truth be told, my wife claims that I am not, but I contend that she has a vested interest in not being married to someone considered ‘fat’ [or a ‘bastard’ for that matter]). Of all of the ‘Jolly-Child-Out-of-Wedlock’ (while perhaps more politically correct, definitely more cumbersome) wines that I have sampled thus far, this is certainly my favorite. Dark in the glass with equally dark fruit, a splash of spice, and a touch of earth. Yum. The palate is certainly fruity up front, but there is a whole lot more going on here: dark earth, Christmas spice, brilliant acidity, and some soft, but present tannins. Yowza. I was ready to hate this wine on so many levels (not the least of which was glancing at the mirror as I exit the shower), but this is pretty fantastic. I have to go with ‘Excellent’ since I would drink this all day long and numerous times on Sunday. Excellent. 
The Drunken Cyclist
90
POINTS
FAT bastard Syrah 2016
“Excellent, Highly Recommended.”
Ultimate Beverage Challenge
89
POINTS
FAT bastard Syrah 2021
“Juicy plum and oregano aromas frame the nose onthis wine. The palate is light with ample acid and hints of boysenberry, plum, bell pepper and round tannin.”
Wine Enthusiast
89
POINTS
FAT bastard Pinot Noir 2020
“Blueberries and dried laurel, with hints of tea tannins, add to a refined, yet chalky mouthfeel. Plump, high-toned plum melds with a brisk acidity and bolder minerality.”– (Down the Aisle)
The Tasting Panel
89
POINTS
les FRÈRES Bastards White 2020
“Pale lemon in the glass, this wine has an effusive nose that blends sweet pea and orange blossom with a squeeze of lemon juice. The wine is loaded with fresh lemon, white peach and yellow apple on the palate, with lightly astringent acidity. It is light and easygoing but the fruit is juicy and inviting.”— (Best Buy)
Wine Enthusiast
88
POINTS
FAT bastard Syrah 2022
“This red blend has a nose of black plum, macerated black raspberries, vanilla baking spice, ripe stems, and dried black cherry. Velvety tannins begin on the attack and swim through the length of the taste of the generous wine.” – (Best Buy)
Wine Enthusiast
88
POINTS
FAT bastard Cabernet Sauvignon 2021
“This Cabernet Sauvignon is the Goldilocks and the Three Bears version of “just right.” Deep ruby in color, the wine opens with black plum, black olive, red raspberry and cranberry. Raspberry becomes more dominant on the palate, yet allows other fruits to shine underneath.” – (Best Buy)
Wine Enthusiast
88
POINTS
les FRÈRES Bastards White 2022
“Notes of vanilla bean and pear show on the nose of this white blend. Green apple and pear are complemented by dried-herb notes on the palate. The finish is bright and saline.” – (Best Buy)
Wine Enthusiast
88
POINTS
les FRÈRES Bastards Red 2018
“Ebullient cassis, plum and violet notes flow forth here, backed by an easygoing structure and a dark fruitcake accent at the very end.”
Wine Spectator
88
POINTS
les FRÈRES Bastards White 2018
“Bright Key lime, green almond and fennel notes race through in this fresh, unadorned white.”
Wine Spectator
88
POINTS
les FRÈRES Bastards White 2019
“A step up over last year’s rendition, the 2019 Grenache, Sauvignon, Marsanne offers a juicy peach, tangerine, and citrus-laced bouquet that carries to a medium to light-bodied, nicely balanced, refreshing style on the palate. This beauty sells for a song, is an easy drinking as they come, and should keep nicely for a year or two.”  
Jeb Dunnuck
88
POINTS
les FRÈRES Bastards White 2018
“Bright Key lime, green almond and fennel notes race through in this fresh, unadorned white.”
Wine Spectator
88
POINTS
les FRÈRES Bastards Red 2018
“Ebullient cassis, plum and violet notes flow forth here, backed by an easygoing structure and a dark fruitcake accent at the very end.”
Wine Spectator
88
POINTS
les FRÈRES Bastards Red 2018
“Ebullient cassis, plum and violet notes flow forth here, backed by an easygoing structure and a dark fruitcake accent at the very end.”
Wine Spectator
87
POINTS
les FRÈRES Bastards Red 2021
“The nose shows spice and blackberries. Flavors of vanilla, green pepper and tart raspberries linger on the palate. There is good structure here with a long finish.”
Wine Enthusiast
87
POINTS
FAT bastard Cabernet Sauvignon 2020
“This is a dark and juicy cabernet, with just enough pencil-shaving scents and black-currant tang to keep it firm and recognizably varietal.”– (Best Buy)
Wine & Spirits
87
POINTS
les FRÈRES Bastards Red 2020
“Soft, forward and inviting, with a gush of warmed cassis and plum preserve flavors laced with violet and anise. Minimal structure–think Grenache Nouveau—so serve lightly chilled. Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre."
Wine Spectator
87
POINTS
les FRÈRES Bastards Rose 2020
“Millennial pink in color, this wine offers aromas of strawberry, lemon curd and beach grass. Flavors on a light and easy palate suggest yellow cherry, strawberry and Golden Delicious apple, with lime-laced acidity and a dry tangy finish.”
Wine Enthusiast
87
POINTS
FAT bastard Syrah 2016
“Dark purple in color, this opens with a rich, dense bouquet of blackberry, plum, boysenberry, purple violet and cocoa nib. The plush palate boasts velvety tannins and good overall balance, with earthy, spicy tones that linger through the finish.”
Wine Enthusiast
86
POINTS
les FRÈRES Bastards Rose 2021
“Blended with Syrah and Merlot, red currant and plum aromas brush the nose. Juicy tropical fruit lines the palate with a sharp acidic finish.”
Wine Enthusiast
86
POINTS
les FRÈRES Bastards White 2021
“Medium red-fruit intensity on the nose. Candied notes of strawberries, raspberries and oranges bounces off the palate. An intense acidic and short finish.”
Wine Enthusiast
86
POINTS
les FRÈRES Bastards Red 2020
“Cassis, blue flower and baking spice form the lifted nose on this wine. The palate delivers uberripe blueberry, with lazy acidity and white pepper sprinkled on the finish.”— (Best Buy)
Wine Enthusiast
86
POINTS
FAT bastard Syrah 2017
“Slurpable Syrah, this is as juicy as the fuchsia hue predicts, and filled with warm, soft plum flavor.” (Best Buy)
Wine & Spirits
FAT bastard Pinot Noir All
“Ripe raspberry, strawberry, red plum. Almost pie filling in characteristic. The palate shows some added rose petal, and a tart acidity uplifts the warm fruit. Pair with some boneless pork chops, or veggie risotto!”
Instagram - @grapechic
FAT bastard Chardonnay All
“Lemon, apricot, peach, mango and a hint of toast and vanilla. Ripe fruit, but nice freshness. Pair this with good laughs and small bites (smoked salmon and cream cheese crostinis)!”
Instagram - @grapechic
les FRÈRES Bastards Red 2018
“Loads of pepper and spice accompanied by restrained, dark fruit – cherry, plum – on a dry palate. Good.”
Winston - Salem Journal
FAT bastard Pinot Noir 2010
Critic's Challenge International Wine Competition
FAT bastard Pinot Noir 2010
Critic's Challenge International Wine Competition
FAT bastard Syrah All
RECOMMENDED: Food & Wine Pairing
Snooth
FAT bastard Chardonnay All
“For those interested in a cleaner, brisker expression of Chardonnay the oddly named Fat Bastard Chardonnay is a wonderful option, smaller scaled and quite fresh on the palate.”
Snooth
FAT bastard Chardonnay 2010
Critic's Challenge International Wine Competition
FAT bastard Pinot Noir 2008
Skip the chips and beer for Super Bowl this year and instead indulge in a glass of FAT bastard wine paired with easily-prepared appetizers.  A glass of pinot noir would pair well with sausage bites, or try a nacho cheese plate with a chardonnay.  No matter which team loses, you’ll win over your guests with these delicious pairings.
The Star-Ledger
FAT bastard Chardonnay 2007
FAT bastard Chardonnay 2007 has been chosen as one of the top 150 wines under $15 in the new edition of Wine Trials 2010, a bestselling guide to inexpensive wines.
Wine Trials
Chicago Tribune wrote "Fat Bastard was the preferred wine and was asked to stay around...." on 01-Sep-2003
Fat Bastard was the preferred wine and was asked to stay around.
Chicago Tribune
FAT bastard Merlot 2003
New on the block, the 2003 Fat Bastard Merlot ($10) is a follow-up to the wildly successful Chardonnay and Shiraz from this southern France producer. Smooth and plush with bright plum and berry flavors and a touch of sweet spice, it's worth twice the price.
San Francisco Chronicle