Appellation: Vin de France (Jurançon area, South-West France region)
 
Terroir: Atypical mix of clay-silica, pudding stones, Ponto-Pliocene pebbles and crossed through by a vein of iron.
 
Grapes: Petit Manseng (100%)
 
Residual sugar: 25.1 g/liter
 
Farming: Organic (Not certified)
 
Aromatics: At first, the nose is shy, give the wines some air, come back to it and enjoy beautiful exotic notes of pineapple, pastry aromas (almonds, caramel, honey) and a hint of truffle. Warm spice and citrus notes of lemon and kumquat follow.
 
Palate: The palate is rich, concentrated and complex. With 25 grams residual sugar there's a feeling of sweetness however there is an incredible power and balance to the wine. This is very racy and deep, it will be beautiful across 20 years. The finish is endless, with bitterness and acidity dancing together.
 
About the wine: What makes these wines so sought after is the combination of three unique aspects. First, its location. With only 1.85 hectares Clos Joliette sits at 300m altitude, on the slopes of the hill of Beauvallon (Commune of Jurancon). The vines were planted in 1929 by Madame Migné and exposed to the East and South-East in a natural amphitheater, allowing the grapes to capture the gentle morning sun, rather than afternoon heat. Second, an atypical terroir made of clay-silica, pudding stones, Ponto-Pliocene pebbles and crossed through by a vein of iron. Third, the wine itself - a single varietal 100% Petit Manseng, treated with minimal intervention throughout vinification, no fining or filtration, and long aging in oak barrels for 4 to 6 years.
 
When to drink: Drink now or in the next 15-25 years after vintage.
 
Service: 13 to 15 degrees C.
 
Food match: A very special wine. Pair with old comte / gruyere, roasted chicken with grapes or Roquefort cheese.