2021 Domaine Castera Jurançon Sec

Franck Lihour of Domaine Castera is part of a new generation of vignerons in the Jurançon AOC of South-West France, that are determined to showcase just how good their terroir is. Located in Monein, one of the most highly regarded villages in Jurançon, the Domaine has been in the Lihour family since 1885 when it was purchased by Franck’s great grandfather. After studying viticulture and oenology in Bordeaux and completing vintages all around the world Franck returned home and took over from this father in 2014. The first thing he did was to convert to organics. As of the 2021 vintage Domaine Castera is certified organic, with biodynamic farming practices in place and a plan to be certified biodynamic in the near future. The resulting wines are extremely expressive and mineral driven, with beautiful aromatics, good fruit weight and laser-like acidity across the whole range. Proof that when Jurançon wines are made with this level of attention to detail, they can easily rival great Chenin Blanc from the Loire Valley.

50% Gros Manseng, 20% Petit Courbu, 20% Cameralet, 10% Petit Manseng. From the Caubeigt and Tauzy vineyards. Hand-picked fruit is slowly whole bunch pressed and fermented with indigenous yeast. Vinification and ageing takes places in a mix of 50% vats, and 50% used oak containers of varying sizes. Beautiful aromatics of orange blossom and lemon rind. The pallet is mid-weight with citrus, white peach, green apple and sea-spray / salty minerality. Searing acidity balanced by well defined fruit and a slightly waxy texture.