CHÂTEAU LAFITTE
Jurançon
South West
Nestled at the foothills of the Pyrenees and recognised for its varied landscape and unique microclimates, the South West stands as one of France's oldest wine-growing regions, yet it has taken a back seat compared to internationally renowned areas.
Fortunately, since the late 1980s, some producers have revitalised local grape varieties, resulting in exceptionally delightful and profound wines that harken back to the region's past glory. Today, leading this resurgence is Antoine Arraou of Château Lafitte, a prominent figure among the new generation of winemakers in southern France, contributing to the ongoing revolution in the area.
Antoine, a former Parisian photographer, has taken the reins from his father Philippe since 2012, steering the estate toward organic and biodynamic practices (Demeter certified) while implementing natural winemaking techniques.
Spanning 5ha, the vineyards are planted with local grape varieties, namely Petit Manseng and Gros Manseng. Beyond grape cultivation, the family tends to fruit trees and cereals, all in accordance to the very same biodynamic principles applied to viticulture. This approach emphasises overall balance, and biodiversity. Starting from 2018, the estate proudly presents a newly constructed winery, meticulously designed by local architect Geoffroy Boulin, with a strong focus on minimising environmental impact. This structure operates independently with electricity from solar panels, employs rainwater for machinery cleaning and captures natural freshness through a Canadian well. The multi-level design supports gravity-driven juice circulation, eliminating the need for pumps.
To elevate sustainability even further, certain cuvées, such as Orange and Argile, are bottled in 0.50cl stoneware bottles, in harmony with the estate's environmentally conscious philosophy. Sandstone's lower energy intensity compared to glass and its temperature/light-regulating properties make it an ideal choice.
While deeply connected to the Jurançon terroir, Antoine embraces both tradition and innovation, crafting wines that transcend appellation boundaries. This approach yields two categories: AOC wines and Vin-de-France wines, the latter being a more personal expression that embodies biodynamics and the true essence of vin libre.
These incredibly enchanting wines radiate tranquility and vibrancy, shining amidst a sea of unremarkable offerings that surround them.
Jurançon Sec
Vintage 2021
Style White
Region Monein, Jurançon
Varieties Petit Manseng, Gros Manseng
ABV 13%
Soils Siliceous clay, Limestone, Puddingstone
Farming Biodynamic
Winemaking Grapes are hand harvested in small crates and immediately transported in the cellar. The grapes are gently pressed and spontaneously fermented in used barriques. Ageing lasted 9 month on fine lees in larger wooden vessels. The wine was bottle after one racking without any filtering nor fining.
Tasting Note This dry Jurançon offers a rather complex nose with plenty of ripe white fruit and candied citrus, as well as beeswax and gentle toasty notes and brioche. The rich palate is beautifully balanced by a long, mineral finish and Manseng's naturally high acidity.
Litre
Vintage 2020
Style White
Region Monein, Jurançon
Varieties Field Blend
ABV 11.5%
Soils Siliceous clay, Limestone, Puddingstone
Farming Biodynamic
Winemaking This comes from a rather small old vineyard, planted with a mix of indigenous varietals yet to be identified! A proper so called field-blend. Direct pressing and spontaneous fermentation in ceramic eggs. The wine is aged in the same vessels on fine lees for 9 months.
Tasting Note Clean and delicate, yet fairly weighty. It is an extremely playful cuvée which displays balance and precision at the same time.
Argile
Vintage 2020
Style White
Region Monein, Jurançon
Varieties Petit Manseng
ABV 12.5%
Soils Siliceous clay, Limestone, Puddingstone
Farming Biodynamic
Winemaking Argile’s Petit Manseng grapes are amongst the first to be harvested in the first couple of weeks of September. Carefully selected grapes are direct pressed straigh in to sandstone eggs. After fermentations the wine rests on its fine lees for one whole year. This cuvée is vinified without the addition of any oenological products and bottled unfiltered, without sulphites.
Tasting Note A beautiful interpretation of Petit Manseng balancing an amazing tension between concentration and electric zestyness.
Orange
Vintage 2020
Style Orange
Region Monein, Jurançon
Varieties Petit Manseng
ABV 13%
Soils Siliceous clay, Limestone, Puddingstone
Farming Biodynamic
Winemaking De-stemmed Petit Manseng is macerated on the skins for 21 days. Free run and pressed juice are then combined and transferred to terracotta amphorae where the wine finishes the sugars and it is left to aged on fine lees for 12 months. Just like Argile, no additions, including no sulphur are used at any stage of winemaking.
Tasting Note Orange is Lafitte’s skin contact expression. This is just wonderful, full of power and mouthwatering energy. Spiced lemon peel, satsuma and toasted almonds lead to warm peach pie and fresh honey notes. The palate is concentrated yet crisp and bright. One for the cellar.