Camin Larredya - Costat Darrèr 2016 (Moelleux)

Bettane & Desseauve

About the estate:

The spearhead of Jurançon, this estate, which is run using organic and biodynamic farming methods, is the leading figure in the appellation, embodied by its owner Jean-Marc Grussaute. Its best terraces even produce an exceptionally rich and subtle wine, at a price that is still affordable. The entire range, both dry and sweet, is of an admirable standard. The fifth star is really not far off.

RVF - La Revue du Vin de France / Guide des Meilleurs Vins de France

About wine:

The sweet Costat Darreer cuvée, the only wine made from purchased grapes, is known as "the friends' cuvée" and lives up to this name with its fruity, accessible, and easy-to-drink character.

About the estate:

The death of his father brought Jean-Marc Grussaute back to the fundamentals of his native Béarn, to the fledgling Jurançon vineyard, whose terraces had been reclaimed by the previous generation. At that time, the Camin Larredya estate produced strawberries; the grapes from its few rows of vines were taken to the cooperative. He learned the ropes there while playing rugby for ten years with Section Paloise. He gave up rugby, switched to organic farming, changed sides, networks, contacts, and methods. In fact, he uses none of them, relying instead on his instinct and on the little Manseng grape, the foundation of Jurançon's history and future. He planted massal selections, refined his ripeness, blends, and aging techniques. In the same vein, he developed a passion for the great terroirs he spotted on maps: first Clos Joliette, which he farmed for a time with the A Bisto de Nas gang, then Côte Blanche, his revelation. For this, he tamed the slope and, in just six years, proved the exceptional quality of the terroir on the Danian-Montian limestone of Lasseube. In addition to talent, the 2023 Winemaker of the Year possesses a determination that allows him to go where others shy away, thereby bringing prestige to an entire region.