Camin Larredya - Costat Darrèr 2016 (Moelleux)

Bettane & Desseauve

About the estate:

A leading light in Jurançon, this estate—managed using organic and biodynamic farming methods—is the appellation’s undisputed star, embodied by its owner, Jean-Marc Grussaute. Its finest terraces even produce an exceptionally rich and subtle wine, yet at an affordable price. The entire range, whether dry or sweet, is of an admirable standard. The fifth star is truly not far off.

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

About the wine:

The Costat Darreer sweet wine, the only wine made from purchased grapes and nicknamed "the friends' wine," lives up to that name with its fruity, approachable, and easy-drinking character.

About the estate:

The death of his father brought Jean-Marc Grussaute back to the roots of his native Béarn, to the fledgling Jurançon vineyards, whose terraces had been reclaimed by the previous generation. At the time, the Camin Larredya estate was growing strawberries; the grapes from its few rows of vines were taken to the cooperative. He learned the trade there while playing rugby for ten years with Section Paloise. He gave up rugby, switched to organic farming, and changed sides, networks, partners, and methods. In fact, he uses none of them, relying instead on his instinct and that little Manseng grape, the foundation of Jurançon’s history and future. He plants mass-selected clones, refining his ripening times, blends, and aging processes. Following this same logic, he develops a passion for the great terroirs he spots on maps: Clos Joliette first, worked for a time with Nas’s A Bisto crew; then the Côte Blanche, his revelation. For it, he tamed the slope and, in barely six years, proved the exceptional quality of the terroir on the Danomontian limestones of Lasseube. Beyond his talent, the 2023 Winemaker of the Year possesses the determination that allows him to go where others shy away, thereby bringing glory to an entire region.