Wines Jurançon L'Apéritif du Roy - Fruité - 2023

Viniou Reviews

L’Apéritif du Roy 2023 from the Jurançon AOC is a delightful moelleux white wine made in the foothills of the Pyrenees in South-West France. The “Cuvée Fruité” likely showcases the two principal local grapes, Petit Manseng and Gros Manseng, which are celebrated for their aromatic richness and natural acidity. The 2023 vintage, being very recent, promises a wine full of verve, expressive fragrances and youthful vibrancy. Jurançon moelleux is borne from carefully selected late-harvested grapes, picked at peak ripeness when noble rot or passerillage may concentrate sugars and intensify flavour. This traditional approach yields wines brimming with exotic and candied fruits, honeyed notes and a signature fresh acidity that prevents any heaviness on the palate.

The Jurançon region occupies a unique geographical niche at the foot of the Pyrenees, whose mountain breezes and maritime influences bring coolness and marked day-night temperature variation, ideal for slow, aromatic grape ripening. Clay and gravel soils on rolling hills promote good drainage. The region has a fascinating history: Jurançon wines have been esteemed since the Renaissance and famously anointed the lips of King Henri IV at his baptism, cementing the local reputation for wines of distinction. The combination of historic savoir-faire and an exceptional microclimate gives Jurançon its inimitable profile—fragrant, luscious, yet never cloying.

This style of moelleux white is superb as an aperitif, where its aromatic intensity and gentle sweetness shine. It’s also a consummate partner for regional foie gras, blue cheeses like Roquefort, or terrines and pâtés. Jurançon moelleux beautifully complements spicy Asian dishes, poultry with fruit-based sauces, or desserts featuring citrus and tropical fruits.

For the optimal tasting experience, serve this wine chilled but not too cold, ideally between 8–10°C. This allows its bright aromatics and subtle sweetness to express themselves fully, offering a perfect balance of freshness and complexity. Young, this bottle will delight with vivid fruit; it may develop intriguing honeyed and nutty nuances if cellared for a few years.