Native grape varieties of the South-West: the finest wines!
In its May 2022 issue, *La Revue du Vin de France* (RVF) shines a spotlight on the indigenous grape varieties of south-western France. Below you will find the wines from the producers that particularly caught the magazine’s attention: Domaine Arretxea, La Colombière and Domaine de Brin.
Rating: 95/100 – Price: €27
Arretxea Irouleguy Hegoxuri 2020.
The closer the Manseng grapes grow to the Pyrenees, the more subtle and distinctive they become. To reach its full potential, Gros Manseng thrives in these oceanic and mountainous climates. The flagship cuvée of the Domaine des Riouspeyrous, a blend of Gros Manseng, Petit Manseng and Petit Courbu, also shines thanks to its sandstone and schist terroir. Combined with smoky notes and a hint of citrus on the finish, the purity and tension are impressive. A pure delight!
Rating: 93/100 – Price: €22
La Colombière Le Grand B 2019
At the La Colombière estate in the Fronton vineyards, Philippe and Diane Cauvin discovered some old vines of the Bouysselet variety. Intrigued, they studied the variety and then replanted it. In their hands, Bouysselet could well produce some of the finest white wines in the South-West. This cuvée, aged in demi-muids, offers a silky texture with an invigorating salinity. Its exceptional pH suggests that this is a great wine with excellent ageing potential.
Rating: 92/100 – Price: €18
Domaine de Brin Gaillac Mauzac 2019
With this dry white wine, Mauzac proves it can do it all. The nose reveals a hint of green apple and mint, characteristic of the grape variety. The sensuality on the palate is even more pronounced, with a touch of chalkiness. It finishes with notes of fruit and mint.
Rating: 92/100 – Price: €13
Domaine de Brin Gaillac Anthocyanes 2020
An expert in forgotten grape varieties, Damien Bonnet intervenes as little as possible in the cellar to allow his wines to express themselves fully. It is in the depth of the reds that he seeks the grape’s signature, as in this cuvée with its succulent texture and a hint of tannin that anchors the wine in a refreshing body and a lovely character rooted in spices and notes of graphite.
Rating: 90/100 – Price: €12.50
La Colombière Les Frontons Flingueurs 2020
With intense sweetness, the wine rises above supple, refined tannins, built upon a body that is both easy to drink and sensual. Its lovely dynamism is evident in a light, open and supple finish.