Case of Domaine Saint-Lannes 2023 Gros Manseng (12 bottles)

Pairs with: Smoked mussels

Good for: Having a versatile white for warm-weather shindigs

Grapes: Gros Manseng

I am from: Gers, France

The story: Domaine Saint-Lannes is situated in the northern part of the Gers region, belonging to the Duffour family. It takes its name from a neighboring Romanesque chapel dating ro the 12th century, and is located on the magnificent terroirs of the Ténarèze, on the paths of Saint-Jacques de Compostela. The estate was founded in 1955, and was converted solely to viticulture in 1973 by Michel Duffour, who already saw the potential for outstanding, fresh, fruity and dry white wines made from Colombard and Gros-Manseng. His son Nicolas, who studied oenology in Bordeaux and represents the 3rd generation, took over in 2004. Since then, Nicolas has oriented all aspects of his vineyards and winery to the High Environmental Value (“Haute Valeur Environnementale”) protocol of France’s Ministry of Agriculture.

Surrounded by quarries, the blend of clay and limestone in the soil allows Domaine Saint-Lannes to produce rich, concentrated wines, marked by an undeniable “terroir” effect and an unusual typicity. The ocean climate and the proximity of the Pyrenees, with the particularity of having hot summers accompanied by cool nights, all bring their influence to the grapes' aromatic quality. All of the estate's vineyards are all on well exposed, south facing slopes and plateaux. The exclusively clay-limestone top soil is not more than one meter deep, and the subsoil is pure limestone. This terroir drains well, enhances ripening, imparting minerality and verve to the wines.

Why You'll Love Me: This complex wine contrasts notes of honey, spice and white stone fruit with floral overtones. It has a generous mouth feel, with its acidity balanced by a ripe texture, lush minerality and a smooth finish.