• When asked to taste a selection of white wines in order to find the most appropriate to add to the auction line-up, the Auction Room team were (almost too) eager to oblige…
   
• A number of bottles, some rather rosy cheeks and a couple of giggling fits later; the result: this six-bottle case of white wines direct from renowned French producers. 

Ch du Jurque

• From the rolling hills of Gascony to the heartland of Confit du Canard, via the foothills of the  Pyrenees and some of the world’s oldest denominated wine regions, we’ve put together this deliciously palatable case. 

• Here’s exactly what you’ll be bidding for (two bottles of each) - along with a few guiding words from our partners, the experts at Balcony House cellars:
   
  • Ch du Jurque 2007 - Jurancon wines are produced on hillsides facing the grandeur of the Pyrenees - and these ancient vines boast a royal history. In the 14th Century, the Princes of Bearn and the Navarre Parliament introduced the concept of 'cru' based upon the value of parcels of vines.
    
    This was the first attempt at wine classification in France, and was introduced long before its use in any other French wine regions. Indeed, It was not until 1855 that Bordeaux adopted a similar 'classification de grand cru', this time based upon the value of wines from differing chateaux. In 1553, when Henry IV - the future 'Henry the Great' - was born Jurancon wine became a part of French history:
    
    When the royal infant was christened, his lips were rubbed with a clove of garlic and moistened with a drop of Jurancon wine from which, it’s said, he derived a vigour and ardent spirit which were never to leave him. After many centuries of changes the outstanding quality of Jurancon wines is again being recognised and have regained their aristocratic seal of approval.
     
  • Torus 2009 - A sturdy, yet complex, wine from the heartland of Confit du Canard
     
  • Domaine de Pellehaut Ampelomeryx 2010 - A simple wine from the Armagnac region and a mix of more than six grape varieties
    # Grand Gold medal at the Concours des Vins in Lyon 2012
    # Selection of Top 100 2010s in France: Voted 'Best White Wine IGP' in the USA 

Ch du Jurque

• Expert fact: The fossil of the extinct animal that appears on the label (top image); half stag, half giraffe; was discovered in Montreal du Gers, where Domaine de Pellehaut is located, by the Natural History Team of Toulouse. It had the body of a stag and frequented the region some 17m years ago.
  
  The climate in Gascony at this time was sub-tropical - and the label shows the male of the species with two large canine fangs, some 'occasions' on the front and a horn at the back of the head. Ampelomeryx signifies a ruminant of the vineyards of Pellehaut, in homage to the viticultural terroir which today brings prosperity to Montreal.
   
• This case is also available (and highly recommended by all in the office) as 12 bottles. Just ask for quote if your bid is successful. 

Place your bid now!

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