Jurançon Sec "Comete" (White) 2021

A dry blend of 75% Petit Manseng and 25% Camaralet, a rare local grape known for low acid and low alcohol, which balances the high levels of both in Petit Manseng. Strong flavours of crisp apple, lemon pith and acaia with lots of body and zippy acidity. An almost grippy texture, lots of acidity and a saline finish. A truly expressive wine.

Story: Maxime Salharang was the winemaker at Jurançon stalwart Domaine de Souch for nearly a decade. In 2012 he started his own Domaine, and now along with his wife Lucie, makes mostly dry wines from a 3 hectare Domaine in the Ossau Valley. His crisp, linear style is notably different from most in the region, thanks north-facing vineyards, a unique subsoil of clay and pebbles atop a rare strip of Triassic limestone and the use of malolactic fermentation.

Vinification: Young vines, planted in 2011 and 2012 on clay and limestone soils with some gravel. All grapes are hand harvested, carried a short distance to the winery, gently pressed and then fermented with indigenous yeasts. The wine is aged for 6 months in old oak with some lees stirring. Lightly filtered just for clarity.

Match it with: An excellent apéritif. Great with Crab dishes, raw seafood, smoked salmon, sea bass with vegetables, salty cheeses.