The wine-growing region From the terraces of the castle at Pau to the Pyrenean mountain range you will find small plots covered in vines making the most of sunny coombs. 300 metres above sea level, the climate combines the harshness of the mountains with the damp mild climate due to the nearby ocean. In the Autumn, the Béarn's Indian summer and the wind from the South allow an over- ripening of the grapes which accounts for Jurançon's inimitable mellowness.

Vine varieties Local vines are used because they are suited to the climate: the plants are tall to survive spring frost and the grapes are very resistant. Gros Manseng is the basic variety for dry, mellow, young Jurançon wines. Petit Manseng, with its small grapes, produces the mellow wines that should be kept a while to mature. Courbu, Camaralet and Lauzet add a hint of spice.

A brief history... Jurançon was undoubtedly the first wine in the world to offer a label and guaranteed quality: this status was awarded in the XIVth century by the Navarre parliament. In 1533, the future Henri IV was baptised using a drop of Jurançon, the golden wine becoming known as the "wine of kings". It benefited from royal approval through to the XIXth century. Ravaged by phylloxera in 1882, the vineyard was completely renewed and has AOC status since 1936.

To survive the frequent frosts at 300 m above sea level, vines are trained to grow well above the ground

		A wine waiter's tips... Born in sandy-clay soil and growing in a combination of mild oceanic climate and harsh mountain climate, Jurançons are well-balanced, harmonious wines. Sweet Jurançon wine (serve between 10 and 12°C) is drunk as an aperitif, with foie gras, or to accompany white meat in a sauce or sheep cheese. Dry Jurançon wines (serve between 8 and 10°C) go well with seafood and fish, whether grilled, oven-cooked or in a sauce.

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