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, 

Serres-Seques is one of two sweeter wines coming from an older parcel of Petit Manseng planted on a steep south facing slope of gravel over clay, elevaged in old wood for a year. A full an aromatic nose of spices and quince with depth and power on the palate, exotic spices and amazing freshness for a wine that has 100 grams residual sugar. Yes thats right, 100 grams. Hefty acidity cuts through this like a scythe, bringing balance and elegance to something that should be rich and overbearing.

This has finesse, minerality and personality in spades, a truly exceptional bottle that matches with both sweet and savoury food.

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