Jurançon "Marie Kattalin" (Sweet) 2014

This is 100% Petit Manseng wine has a rich nose of stone fruit, caramel popcorn, and a hint of coconut. All this is repeated on the palate, plus a hint of vanilla and a slight salty note that comes from the terroir and is a signature of the Domaine’s wines. This vintage was quite warm, and over time has developed concentrated pineapple flavour and notes of truffle. The sweetness if offset with a salty note and plenty of acidity.

Story: For more than thirty-five years Domaine de Souch has been a leader in a modern style of Jurançon wines. Organic and Biodynamic since 1994, the southern-facing terraced vineyards are carved into steep slopes facing the Pyrenees Mountains. The Domaine’s sweet wines are a benchmark for the region and are served in fine restaurants worldwide. Marie Kattalin is their most powerful sweet wine, named after estate manager Jean-René’s god-daughter. The grapes are taken from the very top parcel, which is south-facing, has a special soil and is surrounded by forest. Manu, the winemaker, says “It’s like a little oven”. This cuvée be enjoyed young but also will age perfectly for 10 to 15 years.

Vinification: Made from 40 year-old Petit Manseng vines growing on a 3 hectare plot, which is mostly planted in terraces. Clay and limestone soils give the vines enough water, and the large stone reflect the heat of the sun. Grapes are hand-harvested around mid-November, using passerillage (graoe drying) to concentrate sugars and flavours. The wine is aged in old barrels for 10 months and then bottled. 90-100 grams of residual sugar.

Best enjoyed at 12°C to 14°C

Match it with: Sheep cheese (ideally from the region), Bresse Chicken in cream sauce or a slow-cooked leg of lamb, Tarte Tatin.