Franck Lihour of Domaine Castera is part of a new generation of vignerons in the Jurançon AOC of South-West France, that are determined to showcase just how good their terroir is. Located in Monein, one of the most highly regarded villages in Jurançon, the Domaine has been in the Lihour family since 1885 when it was purchased by Franck’s great grandfather.
After studying viticulture and oenology in Bordeaux and completing vintages all around the world Franck returned home and took over from this father in 2014. The first thing he did was to convert to organics. As of the 2021 vintage Domaine Castera is certified organic, with biodynamic farming practices in place and a plan to be certified biodynamic in the near future.
The resulting wines are extremely expressive and mineral driven, with beautiful aromatics, good fruit weight and laser-like acidity across the whole range. Proof that when Jurançon wines are made with this level of attention to detail, they can easily rival great Chenin Blanc from the Loire Valley.
Jurançon
80% Petit Manseng, 20% Gros Manseng. (65g/l RS)
From the Caubeigt and Les Terrasses vineyards. The Gros Manseng is picked early for freshness, the Petit Manseng later for sweetness and aromatic complexity. Lightly settled then fermented with indigenous yeast and aged on fine lees in vats and 20% oak barrels.