Sergio's Pick

If there is such a thing as having a wine "superpower" then we can confidently say that ours is knowing where to look for amazing wines. A not-so well kept secret of ours is the Southwest (Sud-Ouest) region of France, which we often recommend for its bold reds, and dessert wines that rival Sauternes for a fraction of the cost. However, today the focus is on Jean-Baptiste Semmartin's 'Mansengs' bottling, featuring as the name suggests - the indigenous Gros Manseng and Petit Manseng. To the uninitiated, these Manseng varieties display the versatility we find in Chenin Blanc, which like Manseng produces majestic bottlings ranging from dry whites to age-worthy dessert wines. Semmartin's 'Mansengs' has us drawing other comparisons - and that is to white Burgundy. Yes, we stand behind that. 

It doesn't happen often, but we've tried Manseng's that have achieved these Burgundian heights in the past. To clarify, the comparison is not necessarily about taste, as much as it is in the interplay between concentration, acidity and minerality. These 3 components are rarely found in a single wine and in this case they are in complete harmony with one another.

What made this a standout was the hype that has surrounded Semmartin, who confusingly also bottles under the Domaine Lajibe name, or in this case under Mansengs et Compagnie. These wines are made in miniscule quantities and this is the first time that we've been able to carry them in the Portland market.

The vines for 'Mansengs' come from the Jurançon area of the Southwest which is the home of both Petit and Gros Manseng. Not to be confused with the Jura region, the Jurançon is located in the foothills of the Pyrenees and is best known for its sweet wines, which were among the first French wine appellations created. In recent times however, and evidenced with efforts like this, its dry (sec) styles have been meriting greater attention.

Semmartin's vines sit over a mix of pebbly limestone and clay. The wine is aged in neutral French oak barrels, and there is minimal intervention with no sulphur additions.Highly aromatic with welcoming notes of yellow apples, peach skin, lemon zest, wet stones, sea shells and flint. The palate shines with tension, weight, and minerality that persists through a lengthy, mineral, fruity and floral finish with a touch of saline.