Viniou Reviews
Domaine Cauhapé's Cuvée La Canopée 2014 is a superb example of dry Jurançon, hailing from the foothills of the Pyrenees in South-West France. Crafted with meticulous attention to the local terroir, this cuvée often features a majority of the rare grape Petit Manseng, sometimes blended with Gros Manseng, both renowned for their vibrant acidity and aromatic complexity. The 2014 vintage benefited from a favourable climate, providing ideal ripening conditions and enhanced flavour concentration. Vinification at Cauhapé typically involves careful pressing of whole grapes, followed by fermentation and ageing in both stainless steel and French oak barrels to balance freshness with subtle toasted notes, giving the wine remarkable depth and length.
The Jurançon region is distinguished by its undulating terrain, a combination of clay, silica, and gravel soils, and a climate influenced by oceanic breezes rising from the nearby Atlantic. These factors, partnered with a southern exposure, facilitate slow, even ripening of the local grapes and a natural preservation of acidity. Historically, the wines of Jurançon have been treasured for their complexity and ability to age, and the region’s winemaking heritage stretches back centuries, underscoring a longstanding tradition of craftsmanship and innovation.
Cuvée La Canopée, with its expressive bouquet—often displaying aromas of ripe pineapple, quince, and citrus, mingled with delicate floral and honeyed hints—is a versatile dry white that can accompany a wide array of dishes. It harmonises beautifully with seafood such as scallops or grilled langoustines, poultry in light lemon or tarragon sauces, and can even complement hard regional cheeses like Ossau-Iraty. For a more local pairing, consider serving it with Basque-style chicken (poulet basquaise) or fresh goat cheese from the Pyrenees.
When it comes to serving, this white Jurançon opens up best at a temperature between 10-12°C. Serving it slightly cool allows the wine’s aromatics and crisp acidity to shine, while a few minutes in the glass will reveal further layers of texture and complexity.
