Wines Off The Beaten Path: Southwest France

The Jurancon is the third from the left

Recently I was able to attend a tasting at Astor Center with MS Fred Dexheimer for Spring Wines. Instead of the usual Roses, Fred presented us with a bunch of unique wines. One varietal I became introduced to was Jurançon, from Southwest France.  

And by Southwest I mean Southwest, way west of Languedoc. There are experts in French wine that have never heard of Jurançon.

And that’s a shame because it’s quite a psychedelic wine. First, it smells totally insane. I mean it’s fragrant and smells like candy or honey. But crazy, tripped-out candy and honey.

Tasting there is mouth-watering acidity. Fred would recommend this with pate or foie gras. In fact, this region is famous for solely living off Jurançon and these very meals. Talk about a rich life!

Fun Fact: Henry IV was baptized with Jurançon.