Jean-Baptiste Semmartin has started his small domaine in Jurancon, a small appellate at the foot of the Pyrenees where his vines are planted out to Gros Manseng, Petit Manseng and Petit Courbu.

Before setting up in Jurancon, Jean-Baptiste has spent time in learning and working in Bordeaux, Burgundy and Roussillon. Chiselled, deep, brilliant, his dry and sweet wines are exceptionally well made and there is now quite the clamour to get his wines around the globe.

The Marcel is a highly detailed blend of two thirds Gros Manseng with the balance of Petit Manseng.

A bright and exotic nose of orchard and citrus fruits with salty minerals. The  palate is fresh, textural and pure with apples, sea spray and a tense, driving middle palate. The spine of electric saline acidity that is such a feature of this estate ties everything together, this is a real treat.

He, for sure, is a star of the appellation.