Jurancon, Southwest France
The Grussaute family has been farming their estate in Jurancon since 1900, originally growing strawberries and other fruits and raising cattle. In the 1970s, Jean Grussaute planted 4 hectares of his terraced land to vines, helping to pioneer the Jurancon Sec appellation (prior to the 70's, the appellation was dedicated uniquely to their famous sweet wines). Today, Jean's son Jean-Marc heads the domaine, farming biodynamically (certified) in the Chapelle de Rousse area of Jurancon. Though at the time of Jean's efforts this area was used primarily for mixed agriculture, it is now recognized as the finest subarea of the appellation, noted for its southern facing ampitheater and stoney, iron-rich soils.
Their "La Part Davant" bottling is reference-setting in the region, a blend led by Gros Manseng (roughly 50%), with a healthy dose of Petit Manseng (the lower yielding and more intense of the Mansengs, which is typically reserved for sweet wines), as well as Petit Courbu. It comes from parcels of vines mostly planted over 50 years ago by Jean-Marc's father, and is bottled with minimal SO2. A natural wine by definition, it is also as clean as it gets, offering the distinctive, pronounced aromas of honey, golden apple and warm spices associated with fully ripe Manseng grapes. It is simultaneously full-bodied and highly acidic, luxurious and refreshing, making it the perfect pairing for duck confit, foie gras, sheep's milk cheeses and other Pyrenean fare.
Special full case discount! Buy 12 bottles of this item and receive an additional 5% off.
