Demoiselle de Gascogne 2024

Domaine Haut-Marin was founded in 1920 by Swiss explorer-turned-winemaker Jean François Morel, who began with just 10 hectares. Over the past century, the estate has remained in family hands, expanding organically to nearly 300 hectares. Today, siblings Élisabeth and Philippe Morel oversee the domaine. Their flagship wine, Demoiselle de Gascogne, highlights three of the most prominent grape varieties in the Côtes de Gascogne appellation: Colombard, Sauvignon Blanc, and Gros Manseng. Under Élisabeth’s leadership, the estate has achieved HVE Level 3 certification, a testament to its commitment to sustainable viticulture. Chemicals are used sparingly, with a preference for natural solutions to manage pests and frost. The wines are also certified vegan.

A short maceration on the skins is followed by pneumatic nitrogen pressing and cold setting. Vinification and ageing lasts at least 3 months, in stainless steel tanks and concrete tanks to get keep the fresh aromatic qualities of the Colombard, Sauvignon and Gros Manseng

The cool, long fermenation in stainless steel helps to preserve the super ripe, almost tropical aromas. Lychee, pineapple, green apple. A mineral, tangy edge too with medium acidity. The Gros Manseng and slight lees aging give it the body to hold up with some sturdier dishes, too.

Risotto, Salad, Salmon

Gascony is one of the largest and most fertile wine making regions in France. It has a favourable climate, with the Atlantic ocean to the west, Bordeaux to the north, the Pyrenees to the East and Spain to the South. Close to Toulouse, it's a lovely part of France and as production levels are relatively high, prices are usually fairly low.