Nestled in the stunning Jurançon vineyards near the city of Pau, France, lies the renowned Camin Larredya estate. With its picturesque landscape of steep slopes and magnificent views of the towering Pyrenees, Jurançon is undeniably one of the most beautiful French vineyards. It covers a pocket-sized appellation of 1,000 hectares, home to 100 passionate producers who pour their heart and soul into crafting exceptional wines.
While Jurançon is historically known for its late-harvest sweet wines, or 'moelleux', it was not until 1975 that the dry white Jurançon received its own separate AOC. One of the pioneers who helped put Jurançon on the map is the legendary Didier Dagueneau. Today, following in his footsteps, Jean-Marc Grussaute from Camin Larredya is making a name for himself among sommeliers in France.
Jean-Marc runs the estate alongside his mother, tending to their 9 hectares of vineyards together. The family has owned the land since the early 1900s, with most of the current vines planted in the 1970s by Jean-Marc's father. Since 2007, they have been practicing organic farming, certified in 2010, and have recently transitioned to biodynamic farming in 2016. The vineyard is predominantly planted with local varietals, including Petit Manseng, Gros Manseng, Petit Courbu, and Camaralet.
Situated at an altitude of 300m, the vineyard's soils consist of silica-clay with a subsoil of puddingstone. For Jean-Marc, precision is essential, and every action in the vineyard serves the purpose of the terroir and its continuity. He believes in respecting the soil's health and life, allowing the roots to delve deep into the earth to express the terroir in his wines. This dedication and attention to detail result in the singular and honest wines that Camin Larredya is known for.
One of their most celebrated wines is "La Part Davant," a blend of Gros Manseng, Petit Manseng, and Petit Courbu. After skin contact, the must ferments with natural yeast, following the temperature of the cellar and the vitality of the fermentation. The wine then ages on lees for a minimum of 8 months in barrels and foudres, with regular batonnage to keep the lees in suspension. Finally, the wine is left to rest and evolve in the cool cellars, resulting in a beautifully intense wine with notes of white peach, yeast, and toast on the nose. On the palate, the lively texture and fleshy white fruits, along with hints of orange and citrus, are complemented by an elegant acidity and a long, mineral finish.
In conclusion, Camin Larredya is a producer that truly captures the essence of Jurançon - a place of beauty, tradition, and exceptional wines. With their commitment to organic and biodynamic farming, along with their meticulous approach in the cellar, it's no wonder that their wines have gained a loyal following among both wine enthusiasts and sommeliers alike.
