Appellation: Jurancon Moelleux
Grapes: Gros Manseng, Petit Manseng
Size: 75cl
 
Domaine Cauhapé is located in Jurancon, and proprietor Henri Ramonteu produces a variety of wines made from the indigenous Petit and Gros Manseng grapes, in dry and sweet versions, that arguably stand out as among the best in the South West of France today. The domaine includes 40 hectares in total, devoted mainly to Petit and Gros Manseng grapes.
The Gros Manseng is the main ingredient of dry Jurançon wines, and is used in Chant des Vignes, which is harvested in mid-October, fermented in stainless steel and then held on the lees for six months, before bottling. The oaked version of Gros Manseng (combined with up to 30% Petit Manseng), Sève d'Automne, is picked in October and is also stainless-steel fermented before receiving 10 months oak treatment in old barrels. A third Gros Manseng cuvée, Ballet d'Octobre (also a blend with about 30% Petit Manseng), is very similar to Sève d'Automne.
The finest wines at at Cauhapé are produced with the Petit Manseng grape. Symphonie de Novembre (100% Petit Manseng) is harvested early in November with an average yield of 30-35 hl/ha. The wine is vinified in 2 year-old oak, followed by nine months in new oak and then six months in tank before bottling.