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 at a price that remains affordable. The entire range, whether dry or sweet, is of an admirable standard. That 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, nicknamed “the friends’ wine”—lives up to that name with its fruity, approachable, and easy-to-drink 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 vineyard, 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 completed his apprenticeship there while playing rugby for ten years with Section Paloise. He gave up rugby, switched to organic farming, and changed sides—as well as his network, contacts, and methods. In fact, he didn’t rely on any set methods, trusting instead to his instincts and to the Petit Manseng, the cornerstone of Jurançon’s history and future. He planted massal selections and refined his harvest timing, blends, and aging techniques. Following this same approach, he developed a passion for the great terroirs he identified on maps: first Clos Joliette, which he farmed for a time with Nas’s “A Bisto” crew; then the Côte Blanche, his revelation. For this site, he tamed the slope and, in barely six years, demonstrated the exceptional quality of the terroir on the Dano-Montian limestones of Lasseube. In addition to his talent, the 2023 Winemaker of the Year possesses the determination that allows him to go where others shy away, thereby bringing renown to an entire region.