Viniou Reviews
Clos Bellevue’s 2021 Cuvée Spéciale from Jurançon is a moelleux white wine, emblematic of the Sud-Ouest’s piémont Pyrénéen. This blend is typically composed of local grape varieties, most notably Petit Manseng and Gros Manseng, which are celebrated for their ability to develop impressive aromatic and gustatory complexity, especially in sweet and semi-sweet styles. The 2021 vintage benefits from favourable climatic conditions, with a late autumn allowing for optimal ripening and the development of noble rot or passerillage, concentrating sugars and aromas. The winemaking process focuses on a gentle press and careful fermentation, sometimes in barrels, to enhance the wine’s aromatic palette and roundness while retaining a refreshing acidity.
Jurançon, in the foothills of the Pyrenees in Southwest France, is an ancient and revered wine region with a rich history dating back to the 14th century. The region enjoys a temperate climate, influenced both by Atlantic breezes and the sheltering presence of the nearby mountains, which creates a unique microclimate. Grapes benefit from autumn warmth and humidity, ideal for developing sweetness and aromatic intensity. The soils, predominantly clay with pebbles and a substratum of poudingue (a local conglomerate rock), contribute to the wines’ mineral nuances and structure. This terroir is integral to the character of Jurançon wines—lively, elegant, and aromatic with a fine balance between sweetness and freshness.
This luscious moelleux style is ideally paired with dishes that highlight its rich aromatic profile and vibrant acidity. Classic matchings include foie gras from the region, where the wine’s sweetness and acidity counterbalance the delicacy of the liver. Blue cheeses such as Roquefort or creamy sheep’s milk cheeses provide a salty contrast. For a main course, try duck with orange or a sweet and sour Asian dish to harness the wine’s fruit intensity. For dessert, opt for stone fruit tarts or a citrus pavlova to echo the wine’s exotic and candied citrus notes.
To fully express its aromatic richness and balance, serve this Jurançon moelleux slightly chilled, between 8-10°C. This temperature allows the wine’s natural sweetness, fresh acidity, and complex bouquet of tropical fruits, candied citrus, and honeyed notes to reveal themselves beautifully, ensuring a refined and elegant tasting experience.
