Jurançon
Styles
Principal grape varieties
Accessory grape varieties
Terroir
Natural factors
- Three geological sectors: Poudingue de Jurançon to the north-east, flysch to the south, molasse and gravel beds to the west. (via Wikipedia · CC BY-SA 4.0)
- Clay-textured soils with high stoniness; a silty fraction on north-facing slopes due to loessic deposits.
- The southerly foehn wind, warm and dry, blows one day in three during autumn and spring, playing a key role in drying, ventilation, and sunshine hours.
- Annual rainfall of 1,200 mm with no dry season; mean annual sunshine of 1,900 hours.
- 25 communes in the southern Pyrénées-Atlantiques; vines planted on hilltops and steep slopes, sometimes terraced.
Human factors
- The manseng variety is mentioned as early as the 16th century; in the 18th century, 'petit manseng, gros manseng, camaralet and courbu' appear in the records of the États de Béarn. (via Wikipedia · CC BY-SA 4.0)
- AOC for sweet wines recognised in 1936, dry wines in 1975; the 'vendanges tardives' designation has been permitted since 1995.
Product characteristics
- Dry whites: a balanced interplay of freshness and richness; fruity and floral aromas in youth, evolving towards dried fruits and spice.
- Ageing potential ranging from a few years to several decades; vendanges tardives wines display high residual sugar and more intense aromas.
Terroir / wine link
- The autumn foehn-type southerly wind, with its heat and dry air, promotes the overripening of thick-skinned grapes.
Facts drawn from the cahier's terroir-link section (Lien au terroir) by automatic interpretation — see the source.
Sources
- Product specification (BO Agri, PDF), JORF 29 mai 2025
- Official INAO text (show_texte)
- INAO product entry
- Official trade body site — Syndicat des Vignerons de Jurançon