About this WINE
Les Jardins de Babylone, Dagueneau
Jurancon
Jurançon is located in the foothills of the Pyrenees, in the Basque region of the South West France, along with the neighbouring appellations of Bearn and Irouleguy. It produces dry white wines, yet its fame lies with its sought-after sweet white wines.
Vines are grown on steep mountain slopes and for the sweet wines the grapes are often hand picked well into October and November to allow for the development of noble rot.
Although small quantities of the strictly local Courbu, Lauzet, and Camaralet grapes sometimes contribute to both the dry and sweet wine blends, Gros Manseng the major grape variety in Jurançon Sec (dry), producing a refreshing, full-bodied, richly-flavoured style, with pungent floral aromas (acacia), candied fruits notes and nuances of toasted almonds. Jurançon Sec is typically aged in stainless steel and reaches its peak just before its fourth birthday.
Petit Manseng is responsible for Jurançon (oak-aged) sweet wines, that combine the mellow, overripe fruit characters with vivid acidity. With age, these wines become golden and develop aromas of flowers, honeysuckle, coconut, candied fruit (apricot, mango, pineapple), and sweet spice (cinnamon, clove, vanilla). They have earned a place among the great sweet wines of France, along with Sauternes, Touraine, Anjou and Vendange Tardive from Alsace.
Jurançon boasts a long wine-making history, with a famous royal connection. In the 14th century, the Princes of Béarn introduced the concept of Jurançon cru, that reflected the value of the individual vineyards, aimed to safeguard the authenticity and the quality of the local wines. This was a first attempt at wine classification in France, long before its conception in any other French wine region. According to the legend, in 1553, when Henri IV, born Jurançon, was christened, had his lips rubbed with a clove of garlic and moistened with a drop of Jurançon wine from which he allegedly derived vigour and the fervent spirit which were never to leave him.
Petit Manseng
Petit Manseng, sometimes translated as “Small Manseng” or rarely “Little Manseng,” is a white wine grape variety primarily grown in South West France. The grape derives its name from its small, thick-skinned berries. Among the Manseng family of grapes, Petit Manseng produces the highest quality wine. It thrives in regions such as Gascony, Jurançon, and around Madiran (for Pacherenc du Vic-Bilh).
Petit Manseng grapes are known for their stone fruit flavours, particularly peach and apricot, but can also exhibit hints of citrus and sweet spice. Winemakers often leave the grapes on the vine until December to produce a late-harvest dessert wine. These nearly raisin-like grapes yield rich, sweet wines with concentrated flavours.
While traditionally associated with France, Petit Manseng has drawn interest in New World wine regions. California, North Georgia, Virginia, and Ohio have started exploring this grape variety, and its popularity is expected to follow a similar trajectory to Viognier among white wine enthusiasts.
The variety goes by various synonyms, including Escriberou, Ichiriota Zuria Tipia (in Spain), Mansein, Mansenc Blanc, Miot, and more.
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Description
From their tiny 3 hectare estate in the village of Aubertin, south of Pau in the foothills of the Pyrenees. A sweet wine made exclusively from Petit Manseng, planted on south-facing terraced vineyards with the soil a mixture of clay and large round galets. Late-harvested by hand in successive ‘tries’, and delicately fermented and aged in oak barrels of different sizes. A beautiful wine that combines purity of fruit, texture and sweetness with racy, taut acidity.
Restricted by the area of Loire and its appellation laws, Dagueneau went searching outside of the area to pursue a unique dessert wine. Ending up at the foot of the Pyrenees he discovered an amphitheatre of vines he nicknamed “Babylone”. The Petit Manseng grapes produce a wine of sheer beauty, a late harvest wine that balances sweetness with incredible acidity and fruit. The nose full of orange peel, mandarin and hints of Grand Marnier. The palate is rich, full bodied and yet with a screaming acidity that gives the wine a crystalline purity and deftness of touch rarely found. Fresh and bright with tangerine, lemongrass, spice and nuts on the long finish. Irresistible now but will last decades. 2016-2030+.
Stuart Rae, Private Account Manager
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