Domaine Cauhapé 'L'Éclipse', Gros Manseng blend, Sud-Ouest, France 2023
Domaine Cauhapé, situated in the heart of Jurançon, is renowned for its dedication to indigenous grape varieties and meticulous vineyard management, producing wines that reflect the unique terroir of the region.
- WINEMAKER: Henri Ramonteu
- FARMING: Practicing sustainable viticulture with a focus on preserving nature and respecting the terroir.
- VARIETY: A blend of Gros Manseng (80%) and Lauzet (20%).
- TERROIR: The vineyards are planted on southeast-facing slopes with clay-silica soils, providing optimal sun exposure and drainage.
- VINIFICATION: Hand-harvested in early September using small-volume crates. Grapes undergo destemming followed by 12 hours of skin maceration. Pneumatic pressing with juice selection precedes fermentation and maturation on total lees for five months. Malolactic fermentation is carried out on 20% of the volume.
- AGING: Aged on total lees for five months to enhance complexity and mouthfeel.
-
TASTING NOTES: The nose exhibits a beautiful intensity with aromas of white-fleshed fruits, complemented by delightful notes of citrus and spice. On the palate, a round and supple attack develops into a magnificent palette of fruity and exotic flavors.
- FOOD PAIRINGS: Ideal as an aperitif or at the beginning of a meal. Pairs well with tapas, sushi, and brunch dishes
From our March 2025 Explore Like A Somm club:
Domaine Cauhapé L'Éclipse, Sud-Ouest, France 2023
Some wines make a statement. Others whisper. L’Éclipse does both.
Jurançon isn’t the first place most people think of when they’re hunting for white wine, but let’s be real—it should be. Settled in the foothills of the Pyrenees, Domaine Cauhapé has been low-key running the game when it comes to indigenous Southwest French varieties. Winemaker Henri Ramonteu is treating Gros Manseng (80%) and Lauzet (20%) with the kind of care and precision that makes you wonder why we don’t see more of these grapes stateside. This wine is all about balance and texture. The southeast-facing slopes of Jurançon give the fruit full sun exposure, while clay-silica soils keep everything taut and focused. The grapes get a 12-hour skin maceration, followed by a gentle press, fermentation, and five months on total lees—because texture is king. To round things out, 20% of the wine goes through malo, giving it a little extra weight without veering into flabby territory.
In the glass, L’Éclipse is bright, layered, rich, and just straight-up delicious. Think white peach, Meyer lemon, and citrus zest, with a subtle lift of baking spice that makes it feel more complex than your average porch pounder. The palate starts round and supple, unfolding into layers of exotic flavors while maintaining the fresh, lifted character that makes Jurançon whites so compelling. This is a wine that feels at home at the start of a meal, as an aperitif, or alongside light, fresh dishes. Tapas, sushi, and brunch fare are perfect companions—but honestly, a glass on its own is just as satisfying.—Cara Patricia, DECANT co-founder
Domaine Cauhapé 'L'Éclipse', Gros Manseng blend, Sud-Ouest, France 2023
Domaine Cauhapé, situated in the heart of Jurançon, is renowned for its dedication to indigenous grape varieties and meticulous vineyard management, producing wines that reflect the unique terroir of the region.
- WINEMAKER: Henri Ramonteu
- FARMING: Practicing sustainable viticulture with a focus on preserving nature and respecting the terroir.
- VARIETY: A blend of Gros Manseng (80%) and Lauzet (20%).
- TERROIR: The vineyards are planted on southeast-facing slopes with clay-silica soils, providing optimal sun exposure and drainage.
- VINIFICATION: Hand-harvested in early September using small-volume crates. Grapes undergo destemming followed by 12 hours of skin maceration. Pneumatic pressing with juice selection precedes fermentation and maturation on total lees for five months. Malolactic fermentation is carried out on 20% of the volume.
- AGING: Aged on total lees for five months to enhance complexity and mouthfeel.
-
TASTING NOTES: The nose exhibits a beautiful intensity with aromas of white-fleshed fruits, complemented by delightful notes of citrus and spice. On the palate, a round and supple attack develops into a magnificent palette of fruity and exotic flavors.
- FOOD PAIRINGS: Ideal as an aperitif or at the beginning of a meal. Pairs well with tapas, sushi, and brunch dishes
From our March 2025 Explore Like A Somm club:
Domaine Cauhapé L'Éclipse, Sud-Ouest, France 2023
Some wines make a statement. Others whisper. L’Éclipse does both.
Jurançon isn’t the first place most people think of when they’re hunting for white wine, but let’s be real—it should be. Settled in the foothills of the Pyrenees, Domaine Cauhapé has been low-key running the game when it comes to indigenous Southwest French varieties. Winemaker Henri Ramonteu is treating Gros Manseng (80%) and Lauzet (20%) with the kind of care and precision that makes you wonder why we don’t see more of these grapes stateside. This wine is all about balance and texture. The southeast-facing slopes of Jurançon give the fruit full sun exposure, while clay-silica soils keep everything taut and focused. The grapes get a 12-hour skin maceration, followed by a gentle press, fermentation, and five months on total lees—because texture is king. To round things out, 20% of the wine goes through malo, giving it a little extra weight without veering into flabby territory.
In the glass, L’Éclipse is bright, layered, rich, and just straight-up delicious. Think white peach, Meyer lemon, and citrus zest, with a subtle lift of baking spice that makes it feel more complex than your average porch pounder. The palate starts round and supple, unfolding into layers of exotic flavors while maintaining the fresh, lifted character that makes Jurançon whites so compelling. This is a wine that feels at home at the start of a meal, as an aperitif, or alongside light, fresh dishes. Tapas, sushi, and brunch fare are perfect companions—but honestly, a glass on its own is just as satisfying.—Cara Patricia, DECANT co-founder