Domaine Cauhape

Domaine Cauhapé is one of Jurançon's finest producers, founded in 1970 when winemaker Henri Ramonteu converted his family's cattle farm in Monein into a 54-hectare vineyard estate. The domaine makes classical dry and sweet wines from rare indigenous grape varieties grown on south-facing Pyrenean slopes. If you want authentic Jurançon—both the elegant dry whites and the complex sweet wines the region is famous for—this is where to start.

About Domaine Cauhapé

Henri Ramonteu established Domaine Cauhapé in 1970, beginning with sweet wine production in 1980 before expanding into dry wine production four years later in 1984, establishing the foundation for the domaine's dual identity. The estate comprises 54 hectares planted on south and south-east-facing slopes at 450 metres elevation in the Pyrenean foothills. The siliceous clay soils provide excellent water retention, preventing vines from stress during hot, dry summers.

The vineyard is planted with the classic Jurançon trio—Petit Manseng, Gros Manseng and Courbu—alongside lesser-known indigenous varieties including Lauzet and Camaralet. These rare grapes give Cauhapé's wines their distinctive regional character. The domaine practises sustainable farming and takes a classical approach to winemaking, letting each grape variety express its potential.

The dry wines showcase contrasting styles. 'L'Éclipse', a blend of Gros Manseng and Lauzet, spends five months ageing on its lees to develop roundness and flesh. 'Chant des Vignes' Jurançon Sec, made from Gros Manseng and Camaralet, is fermented in stainless steel for brightness and elegance, delivering honey and ripe stone fruit flavours with a dry, mineral finish. For sweet wines, Cauhapé works exclusively with Petit Manseng, a grape with naturally high acidity that balances richness. 'Symphonie de Novembre' undergoes passerillage—grapes are left hanging through November for natural dehydration that intensifies sugar levels—then ages 10 months in oak barrel followed by six months in tank. The result is a complex wine with honey and toasted spice aromas. 'Ballet d'Octobre' is made from late-harvested grapes aged eight months in oak, delivering passionfruit and lychee fruit-forward sweetness.

Domaine Cauhapé Wines in Our Collection

The 2022 'Chant des Vignes' Jurançon Sec (92 points) is the flagship dry white—fresh, elegant, and mineral-driven, perfect as an aperitif or with lighter seafood. Both are made from Gros Manseng and Camaralet, showcasing the appellation's ability to produce vibrant, food-friendly whites.

'L'Éclipse' Vin de France (86 points Wine Enthusiast, 87 points Wine Spectator) is a white blend offering a rounder, riper alternative—ideal if you prefer texture and tropical notes over bright minerality. The five-month lees ageing gives it complexity without heaviness.

For sweet wine drinkers, 'Symphonie de Novembre' and 'Ballet d'Octobre' Jurançon Moelleux represent the appellation's golden reputation. These are not cloying dessert wines but balanced, concentrated expressions where acidity keeps sweetness in check. They work as aperitifs, with cheese, or as meditation wines.

Food Pairing

Pair 'Chant des Vignes' Jurançon Sec with shellfish, white fish, salads with goat's cheese, and lighter poultry dishes. The minerality cuts through richness without overwhelming delicate flavours. 'L'Éclipse', with its fuller body, suits richer fish preparations, mild curries, and soft cheeses. The sweet Moelleux wines are exceptional with Roquefort or Comté, blue cheese, foie gras, or almond-based desserts where their balanced sweetness complements savoury complexity.

What grapes does Domaine Cauhapé use?

Domaine Cauhapé plants Petit Manseng, Gros Manseng, Courbu, Lauzet, and Camaralet—a mix of classic and rare indigenous Jurançon varieties grown on Pyrenean foothills.

Does Domaine Cauhapé make both dry and sweet wines?

Yes. The domaine makes classical dry whites like 'Chant des Vignes' and 'L'Éclipse', plus sweet Jurançon Moelleux including 'Symphonie de Novembre' and 'Ballet d'Octobre'.

How are Domaine Cauhapé's sweet wines made?

Sweet wines are made from 100% Petit Manseng using passerillage—grapes dry on the vine until November to concentrate sugars. They're aged in oak barrel then tank before bottling for balance and complexity.

Who makes Domaine Cauhapé wines?

Winemaker Henri Ramonteu founded Domaine Cauhapé in 1970, converting his family's cattle farm in Monein into a 54-hectare vineyard estate in the Pyrenean foothills of Jurançon, France.

What style of wine does Domaine Cauhapé make?

Domaine Cauhapé makes dry and sweet wines from indigenous grape varieties—Petit Manseng, Gros Manseng, and Courbu. The 2022 Chant des Vignes Jurançon Sec scored 92 points; it's mineral-driven with honey and stone fruit, perfect as an aperitif.

How much does Domaine Cauhapé wine cost?

Domaine Cauhapé wines at SommPills range between £15 and £19.05, with the flagship dry whites around £18–£19 and the lighter Vin de France blend at £15.