Description
Les Filles d'Abord from the Bordenave estate is a fruity (read: semi-dry) wine with a lovely balance. Combining ripe fruit and freshness, it delights the palate with notes of exotic fruits and white flowers, and a smooth, yet not overly sweet, mouthfeel. The finish is quite crisp and rather delicate. Excellent as an aperitif, it also pairs beautifully with foie gras on toast or Peking duck.
The Pyrenean Piedmont
The vineyards of the Pyrenean foothills are spread across a vast geographical area stretching from Pau to Bayonne along the western foothills of the Pyrenees, criss-crossed by the Adour and its tributaries. Like most wines from the South-West, those from the Pyrenean foothills have their origins in the viticulture of the monasteries that dotted the pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela.
The climate of this region is influenced by both the Atlantic and the Pyrenees. The air from the ocean is mild and humid, whilst that from the mountains threatens the vineyards with spring frosts. However, the Foehn effect (warm, dry air descending from the Pyrenees) also allows the vines to benefit from summers and late seasons that are often hot and sunny.
The diverse terroirs, with soils composed of varying proportions of limestone, marl and sandstone, are brought to the fore through the winemakers’ blending expertise. They shape the identity of each appellation using a wide range of grape varieties for wine production (Tannat, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Malbec, Petit Manseng, Gros Manseng, Courbu, Sauvignon, Sevillon, Muscadelle), but also for the highly characteristic local production of Armagnac (Folle Blanche, Ugni Blanc, Colombard, Baco 22A).
The flagship AOPs of wine production in the Pyrenean foothills remain Jurançon, Madiran and Pacherenc du Vic-Bilh, as well as Irouléguy, the historic vineyard of the Basques.
In the vineyard, in the cellar
The Bordenave estate has immense respect for the terroir and nature. Organic fertilisation and meticulous work in the vineyards, perpetuating ancestral know-how. Already HVE3 (High Environmental Value) certified, the estate has begun its conversion to organic farming.
The Les Filles d'Abord cuvée is a 100% Manseng wine. Average yield of 30 hectolitres per hectare. Fermented in temperature-controlled stainless steel vats, then aged on fine lees.
What to eat with Les Filles d'Abord from Domaine Bordenave?
As an aperitif. A few slices of foie gras on toast. Salmon. Peking duck. White meats. Cheeses. Yellow fruit tarts.
