Domaine Laguilhon, Jurançon Doux 2021

Domaine Laguilhon is owned by viticulturalist Henri Estreboou. The domaine is named after a shepherd’s crook (aiguillon) owing to its hilltop location, where sheep used to pass in order to get to the fields to graze. Domaine Laguilhon’s vineyards are situated in Monein, which is known for creating richer styles of Jurançon. There are 12 hectares planted with Gros and Petit Manseng. The vines are south facing, which allows the grapes to shrivel on the vine and concentrates the sugars. The soil is called poudingue de Jurançon and is composed of fragments of round stones and alluvial sediment which provides excellent drainage in this wet region (1,200mm of rain per year). All the grapes are hand harvested and picked at optimum ripeness. The dry Jurançon Sec is made from 50% Gros Manseng and 50% Petit Manseng. It is fermented in temperature-controlled, stainless steel tanks and then matured on its lees for six months to give it richness on the palate. It is fresh and vivacious, with aromas of pears and green apples, and is perfect as an apéritif or with dishes that require acidity to balance their richness. The sweet Jurançon Doux is picked later, during the last two weeks of October, to allow the grapes to raisin on the vine, concentrating the sugars and the acidity. It is also a 50/50 blend of Gros and Petit Manseng. This luscious yet balanced wine has aromas of fresh pineapple and honey. These wines offer great value and showcase what this great wine producing region does best.