“Je fis, adolescente, la rencontre d'un prince enflammé, impérieux, traître comme
tous les grands séducteurs : le Jurançon.”—Colette, Nouvelles (1873-1954)
Winemaker: Henri Ramonteau
Aroused, imperious and treacherous, as all great seducers are. The reputation of Jurançon certainly precedes it, and Domaine Cauhapé without question is one of the most important producers
in the Jurançon appellation.
The attraction of Jurançon is challenging to put to words, but blindingly obvious when the wine itself is tasted. Its flavors tease between mineral and caramel; between saline and sapid; between floral and sautéed. Jurançon is above all a peerless food wine, a partner that delivers a new sensation with every sip. It is sneaky, almost elusive, but utterly charming and evocative—and will capture the imagination.
Winemaker Henri Ramonteu is a fanatic when it comes to quality. He cultivates Gros Manseng (dry wines) and Petit Manseng (sweet wines)
in a series of small, scattered vineyards nestled in the foothills of
the Pyrenees, in southwest France. Yields here are far lower than the norm, and the estate’s tough, steep hillsides—the foothills of the Pyrenees—are perfectly exposed (southeast). Both harvest—always by hand—and vinification is tightly controlled as to preserve the explosive aromatics and delicate acidity of these native white grapes.