As its name suggests, this vineyard is located is the Southwest of France, between the Massif Central and the Pyrénées, and spreads over 11 departments (Aveyron, Dordogne, Gers, Haute-Garonne, Hautes-Pyrénées, Lot, Lot-et-Garonne, Tarn, Tarn-et-Garonne, Pyrénées-Atlantiques, Landes). There is, among others, the AOC Jurançon.
This designation’s area spreads in the South of the city of Pau over about 1 000 hectares of mainly clay-limestone and stony soils. Vines of Gros manseng, Petit manseng, and Courbu, subject to the oceanic climate of this geographical area, are planted there and enable the production of white dry or sweet wines that can be kept in a cellar respectively for 5 and 20 years before being enjoyed. The sweet Jurançon has a notable balance between vividness and sweetness, is delicate and expresses a rich aromatic palette dominated by honey, spices, white flowers, candied and ripe fruits notes. The dry one is fruity and elegant, with a great structure and roundness, and a bouquet just as marked by honey, spices, flowers and even exotic fruits and the previous one.
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AOC Jurançon: Everything You Need to Know About This Appellation
History of the Jurançon Vineyard
Renowned for both its dry and sweet (moelleux and liquoreux) white wines, the AOC Jurançon vineyard boasts a history as rich as the aromas of its wines. Perched facing the Pyrenees, this mountainous vineyard confirms the southwestern region's ability to produce great white wines that are both complex and balanced. Jurançon's viticulture dates back nearly 2,000 years to the Roman Empire, evidenced by mosaics depicting vineyards found in the area. The vineyard flourished during the Middle Ages, especially under the care of the clergy, and reached its golden age in the 15th century, becoming a royal wine. Notably, Jurançon was served at the baptism of the future King Henri IV of France and Navarre, with the newborn tasting a few drops of this esteemed wine. The vineyard suffered from overproduction and fraud during its peak popularity, compounded by the phylloxera crisis. It wasn't until the late 20th century that Jurançon regained its quality and prestige. Today, the AOC Jurançon is thriving, enjoying an excellent reputation both in France and abroad.
Climate and Terroir of the AOC Jurançon
Climate: The AOC Jurançon benefits from an oceanic climate with mountain influences due to the proximity of the Pyrenees. This causes spring frosts, necessitating a high-trellis cultivation system to avoid frost damage.
Soils: The vineyard is divided into two zones: in the south, the soil is primarily composed of marine sedimentary rocks (clayey sandstone), while in the north, it consists of puddingstones (pebbles transported by torrents within molasses and limestones).
Climatic Peculiarity: Jurançon enjoys the foehn, a warm and dry southern wind that softens temperatures and dries the air. This aids the desiccation of grape clusters on the vine, known as passerillage, leading to the AOC Jurançon Vendanges Tardives designation.
Key Grape Varieties of the AOP Jurançon
The AOP Jurançon exclusively produces white wine from Petit Manseng, Gros Manseng, and a smaller proportion of Courbu an Lauzet.
The Mansengs (Gros Manseng and Petit Manseng): These sibling grape varieties are almost exclusively found in their native region of southwestern France, particularly in Béarn and Gascony. While both Mansengs produce high-quality dry, sweet, and liquorous white wines, they show their full potential in the AOP Jurançon. Petit Manseng and Gros Manseng develop aromatic profiles of exotic fruits (pineapple, mango, passion fruit), citrus (lemon, grapefruit), and spices, with a refreshing acidity on the palate. Petit Manseng, less common but finer and more suitable for overripe harvests than Gros Manseng, covers one-third of the planted area.
Style of Jurançon Wines
Dry White AOC Jurançon
Appearance: Pale gold with green highlights.
Aroma: Offers aromas of citrus, exotic fruits (mango, passion fruit), flowers (broom), and honey.
Palate: Lively and fresh, confirming the fruity character from the nose.
Serving Temperature: 10°-12°C
Aging Potential: 3 to 5 years (more for structured cuvées).
Sweet White AOC Jurançon (Moelleux and Liquoreux)
Appearance: Deep golden color.
Aroma: Complex notes of honey, spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, clove), and candied fruits (citrus, apricot, peach).
Palate: Rich and balanced, characterized by intensity and harmony between sweetness and acidity.
Serving Temperature: 12°-14°C
Aging Potential: 8 to 20 years (more for top estates and vintages).
Best Food Pairings with Jurançon Wines
Dry White Jurançon:
- Trout or salmon with beurre blanc
- Cured ham
- Pan-fried sweetbreads
- Goat cheeses (Rocamadour, Pélardon, etc.)
Sweet or Liquorous Jurançon:
- Duck foie gras
- Roasted pineapple with spices
- Crème brûlée
- Roast chicken
- Roquefort or other blue cheeses
This guide has provided a comprehensive overview of the AOC Jurançon, highlighting the history, terroir, grape varieties, wine styles, and food pairings. For more detailed explorations and to enjoy these exquisite wines delivered directly from the vineyard, explore Avenue des vins, where each estate is carefully selected and offers wines at the best prices. Enjoy a bottle of white AOP Jurançon or wines from other regions of France with confidence and convenience.