From: Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, Ustaritz, Basque Country, France
Varietal: Gros Manseng, Petit Courbu, Petit Manseng
Taste: In the glass, the wine shows a pale gold hue with green reflections. Aromatically, it opens with ripe pear, white peach, and lemon balm, followed by notes of beeswax, wet stone, and alpine herbs. The palate is vivid and textured, with a driving line of acidity supporting flavors of quince, citrus zest, green melon, and a faint saline edge.
Pairing: The brisk acidity and mineral backbone make it a match for dishes that emphasize clean flavors, gentle richness, and herbal or citrus accents. Start with general rules: pair with seafood, light proteins, or vegetable-forward preparations that highlight freshness over fat. Grilled halibut with lemon and caper butter brings out the wine’s citrus and saline notes, seared scallops over a celery root purée echo its texture and slight waxiness.
About: Brana is located in the small Basque town of Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port (also known as Donibane Garazi in its native Basque language), situated in the French Pyrénées near the border with Spain. Though best known for its fruit-based brandies and eaux-de-vie, the Brana family has become one of the key figures in the renaissance of the Irouléguy AOC, one of France’s smallest and most distinctive wine appellations.
