Domaine De Souch Jurançon Moelleux Cuvee Marie Kattalin 500mL 2015

Domaine de Souch is located on the first foothills of the Atlantic Pyrenees in the heart of the Bearn, situated near Pau and the Pyrénées mountains in the South West of France, – the original homeland of Henry the IV – at an altitude of 332m. The vines are planted on the hillside, facing south and overlooking the Pyrenees and the Pic du Midi d’Ossau. The estate has been under biodynamic management since 1994. Vines are planted on the south-facing hillside and are made up of 50 per cent Petit Manseng and 50 per cent Gros Manseng. These vines are known for their sweet flavours and late harvests. Aside from their unique sweetness, these wines are perhaps best known historically as those used to rub the lips of King Henry IV of Navarre at his baptism, granting him courage and charisma (so the story goes).

Domaine de Souch is a 6,5 hectares wine estate created by Yvonne Hegoburu,  a “Grande Dame” with a particular story. In the beginning of the 1970’s, Yvonne and René (her husband) found the ruins of an old house at the top of the hill of Laroin and decided to renovate it in order to retire there. Later, they retired together and had the ambition to plant a few acres of vineyards in the Jurançon appellation. However her husband René died prematurely before they could realize their project. A little while after her hubsand’s death in 1987, Yvonne took the decision to complete their dream and to honour the memory of her lamented René, she planted 6,5 hectares of vineyards around the house. After a couple of years, she produced her 1st vintage in 1990. It was well recognized and welcomed by the professionals which motivated Yvonne to keep going on. Friend with Pascal Delbeck, at this time vineyard manager of Château Belair in Saint Emilion, introduced her to the biodynamic principles in viticulture. Principles that she soon implemented in the whole vineyard in 1994.

This cuvee from the Domaine de Souch has the name of the only daughter of Mrs. Hegoburu, born the year of the first wines of the domain. It is made only with petit manseng , picked during the second half of November, when the passerillage is advanced, mixing concentration, richness and acidity . Only partially de-stemmed fruit, direct press than vinified in barrels. 3 rackings. No fining, light filtration. This cuvée is named after Yvonne’s granddaughter. 100% Petit Manseng; After slow pressing, the vinification starts in vats and ends in oak barrels. The breeding continues in the wood for 18 months before assembly. Certified organic and biodynamic by AB Hand-harvested, Indigenous yeast fermentation, No Fining, No Filtering, No added Sulphites, 58Total sulphites (mg/L), Suitable for Vegetarians, Suitable for Vegans.

Winefront

Domaine De Souch Jurançon Moelleux Cuvee Marie Kattalin 500mL 2015 – 95 / 100 Points

Weetabix with honey, bran, cheese rind, complex and unusual smells. Quince paste and pineapple, savoury and umami as well, fascinating, good crunch, a very expressive and different wine. Glycerol and sweetness, but kind of tight too. Wonderful.

– Gary Walsh