PRODUCER: Cave de Gan
REGION: Jurançon, France
WINERY HISTORY
Founded in 1949 at the foot of the Pyrenees, the Cave de Gan Jurancon has become, over time, a distinguished landmark in Béarn. Situated between Pau, Lourdes and Biarritz, and bringing together nearly 300 wine growers, Cave de Gan plays a major role in the AOC Jurançon and the AOC Béarn. Operating 750 hectares of vineyards, 45 acres of which are tended to by their own team, Cave de Gan has been a pivotal factor in returning the regions to their pre-phylloxera status and size.
VITICULTURE & WINEMAKING
Dedicated to preserving the heritage of their unique regions, Cave de Gan and all its producers employ lutte raisonée farming, prioritizing sustainability to safeguard the region for subsequent generations. The soils of the region are primarily puddingstone - a conglomerate of pebbles bonded by calcareous sediments to form boulders - or rocky and filtering in the lowlands. These well-draining soils are extremely favourable for the cultivation of grapes, and the south-facing aspects of the vineyard protect from damaging westerly winds while optimizing sunlight.
Production at Cave de Gan is principally concerned with the production of Petit and Gros Manseng - the native varieties of the Jurançon – though reds and roses are also made from grapes across Béarn. Harvest is done entirely by hand, an essential detail following the belief that the best wines can only be crafted from the best grapes. The harvest includes three selections, with the first being used for dry and slightly off-dry bottlings, while the later passes are used for the rich, sweet wines that have made the Jurancon famous. With production amounting to roughly 37.000hL (yielding nearly five million bottles annually), Cave de Gan’s dedication to quality is predicated on its members passion and commitment to their region. The Brut Ocean is 100% Gros Manseng, fermented and vinified entirely in stainless steel before 6 months aging sur lies.
GRAPE VARIETIES
Petit Manseng, Gros Manseng
