Region: Jurançon Sec, Sud-Ouest, France, 2022

Varietal: 100% Petit Manseng

Producer: Clos Cancaillau represents the quiet revival of serious dry wines in Jurançon, a region long associated with its lusciously sweet expressions. Working on a small scale in the rolling foothills of the Pyrenees, the estate has earned a devoted following among sommeliers for its precise, terroir-focused approach and its commitment to native varieties. “Au Lavoir” stands as a clear statement of intent: a dry Jurançon that embraces the historic potential of Petit Manseng while presenting it through a modern, restrained lens that emphasizes balance, site expression, and longevity over overt richness.

Vineyard & Winemaking: The “Au Lavoir” cuvée is sourced from hillside parcels planted exclusively to Petit Manseng, where steep slopes and well-drained clay-limestone soils naturally limit yields and concentrate flavor. The vineyards benefit from a cool mountain influence and pronounced diurnal shifts, preserving acidity while allowing the thick-skinned variety to achieve full ripeness. Grapes are harvested by hand and fermented with native yeasts, followed by élevage primarily in neutral vessels to maintain clarity of fruit and mineral expression. Extended lees contact adds texture and structure, enhancing the wine’s depth without introducing overt oak character.

Tasting Notes: The 2022 Jurançon Sec “Au Lavoir” opens with lifted aromas of citrus oil, quince, and white flowers, layered with subtle notes of fresh almond and wet stone. The palate is tightly wound and energetic, driven by vivid acidity that frames flavors of lemon zest, orchard fruit, and saline minerality. A firm, almost tactile structure carries through a long, dry finish, giving the wine both immediacy and the capacity to evolve. Equally compelling as an aperitif or alongside shellfish, grilled fish, or mountain cheeses, it will drink well now and continue to gain nuance over the next five to seven years.