Situated in the heart of Jurançon and nestled between the Pyrenees and the Atlantic, Domaine Castera spans 10 hectares of vineyards cultivating Petit Manseng, Gros Manseng, and Petit Courbu. The oceanic climate, enriched by mountain influences, delivers substantial rainfall, nurturing the vines on steep, southeast-facing slopes. These vineyards benefit from the distinctive terroir known as Poudingue de Jurançon, characterized by sandy clay interspersed with alluvial gravels and limestone.
Domaine Castera is expertly managed under the fifth-generation family stewardship of Christian and Franck Lihour. Their commitment to organic and biodynamic farming (Demeter certified) is paired with Franck’s meticulous approach to winemaking, and focuses on vinifying sub-terroirs separately to capture the unique essence of each plot.
The estate’s flagship wine, Jurançon Sec, primarily crafted from Gros Manseng and blended with Petit Manseng and Petit Courbu, epitomizes purity of fruit and expression of terroir. The grapes are hand-harvested and fermented in stainless steel at low temperatures, then aged in a mix of demi-muids, barrels, sandstone eggs, and stainless steel tanks. This minimal intervention approach allows the wines to evolve naturally, with sulfur additions delayed until spring or later.
In addition to Jurançon Sec, Domaine Castera produces exquisite sweet wines through passerillage (rather than botrytis), targeting terroirs known for early ripening. The vinification process mirrors that of their dry whites but is adjusted slightly to manage the sweetness, including the strategic addition of sulfur during fermentation to restain volatile acidity.
Through their unwavering commitment to quality and respect for the land, combined with a profound understanding of terroir and dedication to organic and biodynamic practices, Domaine Castera truly embodies the essence of Jurançon.
