2022 CÔTE de GASCOGNE, Duffour Père & Fils. SW, France

Their 70ha vineyard is located on the hills of Tenarèze (in Cognac/Armagnac country) with clay and limestone soils. The vines have an average age of 30 years. Two key aspects have contributed to the elevation on both quality and individuality of their style. Firstly, there has been a dramatic reduction in yields in what is traditionally a high cropping region and wine. Secondly, the inclusion of the star grape variety Gros Manseng which contributes real texture and an almost exotic fruit quality.

70% Colombard, 15% Gros Manseng, 15% Ugni Blanc.

Owned by the Duffour family since 1955 their focus on higher quality was driven by Michel Duffour who spent three decades at the helm. Since 2004 Michel’s son Nicolas has continued with the same passion and attention to detail.

2022 was a very warm vintage but rain in late spring provided a reservoir which supported the vines (along with the limestone soils base) through the summer months. Harvest was early (mid-late August) resulting in plenty of ripeness and healthy grapes, but with a vital core of acidity.

Grapes are gently pressed and the free run juice from each of the three varieties is fermented separately at cool temperatures in stainless steel tanks with no oak. Each variety is then aged on lees for 3-4 months prior to the final blending.