Cabidos Petit Manseng Doux 'Cuvée Comte Philippe' 2007 (50cl)

The estate has been in the family since the 13th century when Navarre was a kingdom as powerful as the kingdom of France. Based in Bearn, but just outside the Jurançon appellation area and with Vivien de Nazelle at the helm, Domaine de Cabidos produces Vins de Pays made mainly from the local Petit Manseng. The sweet versions (les doux) are made using the ancient method of passerillage, which consists of dehydrating the grape by twisting the stem supporting the bunch. This cuts the supply of sap and the grapes are left to dry long into the autumn and sometimes into December. The results are stunning.

This has been described by Isabelle de Nazelle (vineyard owner) as 'Christmas in a bottle', with powerful quince and tropical fruit aromas. Harvested later than its sibling wine the Cuvée St Clement, it has higher sugar content and thus a more controlled alcohol level, making it the ideal dessert wine. Fresh acidity offsets the sweetness.

"Awarded gold at The International Wine Challenge 2011 and a silver at The Decanter World Wine Awards 2011".