The Domaine Cauhapé, one of the most well-known domaines in Jurançon, is run by Henri Ramonteu, passionate grape-grower and one of the region's flagship producers. Every year, his 43 hectares of vines produce 250 000 bottles of this golden wine, made using two grape varieties: Petit Manseng (for sweet wines) and Gros Manseng (for dry wines and the first sweet wines). The vines are situated at 500m above sea level, between the Pyrenees and the Atlantic ocean, therefore benefitting from a climate which combines harsh mountainous conditions with the gentleness of the sea. The soil, a rich mix of clay, pebbles and quartz, allows the grapes to elegantly express their full potential.

Harvested in early December when extremely mature and dried on the vines, in the cuvée “Noblesse du Temps”, Petit Manseng gives off wonderfully rich and pure aromas, and is elevated by a meticulous, 18-month élevage in new barrels. The nose is sophisticated and direct, giving off a complex bouquet of candied fruits, honey, almond, lifted by fresh notes of spices and citrus fruits. In the mouth, the silken, rich liquid fills the palate with its aromas of candied apricot, cooked apples, and fruit eau-de-vie, along with delicate toasted notes. The wine’s wonderful vibrancy opens to flavours of fruit paste and orange peel. This complex and refined wine ages extremely well, and is suitable for laying down for around 20 years.