From: Southwest France
Varietal: Gros Manseng, Petit Courbu
Domaine Castéra is located in Monein, between the Pyrenees and the Atlantic in Jurançon . The Lihour family acquired the property in 1885. After Pierrette and Christian , it was Franck Lihour who, on the strength of his experiences around the world, in turn moved to the estate in 2014. Peasant winegrowers from father to son, they exploit 12 hectares of vines perched on hillsides at an altitude of 300 m. The “Domaine” cuvées are traditional and created by Christian while the “Parcellaires” cuvées are produced by Franck. The vineyard is in the process of being certified for organic farming.
Tasting Notes: This is the classic expression, pure and like a cross between Sancerre and dry Chablis. So energetic, mineral, tingly, and pure but with rounder, richer flavors of pineapple, honeydew melon, and a hint of honey to finish off. It is bone dry but the beautiful tang the sweet wines are known for is very evident in this too.
Pairing: Pairs deliciously with salads and cold meats, it would also be divine with seafood. Fish and chips with tartare sauce, scallops with ginger-infused lemon butter, pan-fried cod with a light katsu curry sauce.