2018 Lapeyre Jurançon 'Tradition'

France

60% Gros Manseng and 40% Petit Manseng, harvested at the end of the October and aged in tank. With about 40 grams of residual sugar, the suppleness of the fruit (notes of wildflower honey and yellow, ripe pineapple) makes itself known--fortunately so does the lasting acidity to keep the wine lively throughout. For lovers of sweet Chenin Blanc from the Loire, I can't help but point out the similarities that these wines have with their more famous brethren from central France. 

Jurançon winemaker Jean-Bernard Larrieu is head of the family-owned Clos Lapeyre. The winery goes back to the first World War, and the current estate covers 18 hectares, the majority of which have a southern exposure. The soil is a mixture of clay and silt, with several chalky areas. Gros Manseng and Petit Manseng comprise the majority of plantings, although Courbu still has its importance here. Average age of these vines is 15 years, but there is an older plot of 45-year-old vines. Lapeyre is certified organic and, since 2013, biodynamic, only indigenous yeasts are used and the wines are handled as naturally as possible.