2018 Charles Hours Uroulat Jurancon, Monien, France   

Petit Manseng 100% Produced in the foothills of the Pyrenees, Petit Manseng is a traditional local variety that produces a renowned dessert wine. The grapes of this variety are very small. The sugar level is increased by leaving the grapes to dry and shrivel on the vine: noble rot does not feature. Grapes are harvested by hand in November, with yields from the vines very low. Pressing is very gentle and slow. The juice is fermented and aged in oak barrels - 20% first fill. This wine pairs well with desserts, cheeses and savoury tarts, but can also be drunk as an aperitif. Charles Hours purchased Clos Uroulat, together with 3.5 hectares of vines in 1983. He progressively acquired further small areas of vineyard and in 1990 built his own winery. His daughter Marie joined him in the business in 2005 after taking a degree in winemaking and accountancy. In addition to their traditional Jurancon wines, (their Tradi range,) Marie has developed a "Trendy" range: an innovative and accessible twist on traditional Jurancon winemaking.