Wines Côtes de Gascogne Domaine Séailles - L'Orfeo - 2022

Viniou Reviews

Domaine Séailles Cuvée L'Orfeo 2022 is a sweet white wine crafted in the heart of the Côtes de Gascogne IGP, within the larger Pays de la Garonne area of France’s South-West region. The Cuvée L'Orfeo, made in 2022, draws on the region’s traditional know-how in producing aromatic and delicately sweet wines. Although the precise grape blend is not specified, the whites of Côtes de Gascogne are typically assembled from varieties such as Gros Manseng, Petit Manseng, Colombard and Sauvignon Blanc, renowned for their freshness and expressive fruit. Vinification for this moelleux style—meaning “soft” or gently sweet—often involves careful harvesting to preserve natural sugars, with fermentation halted to balance sweetness and vibrant acidity. The resulting wine is fragrant, luscious, and layered, with a shimmering golden hue.

The Côtes de Gascogne is prized for its Atlantic-influenced climate, with mild winters, warm summers, and autumn mists that can encourage noble rot or concentrate sugars in the grapes, perfect for producing high-quality sweet whites. The soils are a mix of clay-limestone and sandy patches, providing good drainage and imparting finesse and aromatic lift to the wines. Historically, the region gained renown for Armagnac, but in recent decades, fresh and affordable whites have propelled Côtes de Gascogne onto the international stage. This blend of modern dynamism and strong tradition shapes wines of vibrant character and charm.

Cuvée L'Orfeo’s balanced sweetness and lively acidity make it a delightful companion to a range of dishes. It shines alongside foie gras—a signature pairing from Gascony—where the wine’s fruit notes and gentle sweetness complement the richness of the dish. It also pairs beautifully with blue cheeses such as Roquefort, chicken with creamy morel sauce, or fruit-based desserts like apricot tart and peach clafoutis. For a lighter option, enjoy with spicy Asian dishes; the subtle sweetness offsets heat and enhances aromatic spices.

For the best tasting experience, serve Domaine Séailles Cuvée L'Orfeo 2022 slightly chilled, at 8-10°C. This temperature preserves its aromatic intensity and balances the sweetness, whilst allowing all the expressive fruit and floral notes to unfurl in the glass. Consider decanting for a few minutes before serving to reveal further complexity.