Our Vineyard Talents in the Spotlight

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The ten producers whom we paint in this fifteenth edition have in common the passion of their trade in the service of good wines still accessible to all. These winemakers work the most precious of their capital, their vines according to respectful cultivation and vinification methods. Among these ten favorites, we will discover new winemakers as heirs who have revolutionized the family estate. Their cuvées surprise, detonate, in short, energize a sector that needs it.

Varied terroirs, polished tannins and happy winemakers: it is the alchemy of “all pleasure” wines that we seek for this guide. Wines that leave no one indifferent. Like the winegrowers you will discover.

Antoine Gerbelle and Philippe Maurange

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Corinne and Brigitte Dousseau : a standing upright Madiran 

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The madiran is reputed to be robust and tannic, in one word "virile". Increasingly occupying the front of the stage, a generation of winemakers backwards from clichés gives birth to this finer wine in tannins, in color, in fruity but also in acidity and alcohol. Today managed by Brigitte and Corinne Dousseau, the Sergent estate - around twenty hectares on Maumusson-Laguian and Saint-Lannes - illustrates this Gascon revival. Their reds are regularly distinguished in our tastings, with a style that is both intense and charming, based on an assertive fruit quality, well-managed aging and an aromatic originality, with menthol tones that would cheaply make us travel antipodes!

Pierre Citerne

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The two Dousseau sisters, Brigitte and Corinne, are the third generation to watch over the destinies of this secular estate, in Maumusson-laguian, since their grandfather created it. They increased it from 15 to 20 hectares, including 3 hectares for whites, and brought it a touch of femininity in the making of wines. They are sensitive in their remarkable Madiran "matured in oak barrels" with delicate and persistent fruity and velvety tannins. On their three Pacherenc cuvées, they do a real job of lacemaking to preserve the aromas as much as possible. The fluffy "tradition", a blend of small and large manseng raised on lees, fresh and fruity, delicate and charming, is the most obvious expression. Elise grains, pure little manseng, harvested at the end of November and vinified in barrels, are concentrated and long in the mouth, with aromas of candied fruit and medlars, and notes of hazelnut and toast. They also make a dry, half composed of small and large manseng raised on lees, with these intense aromas of yellow fruits on a background of woody notes.

Masculine, the Madiran? With Tannat, a virile grape variety, in framework, we can think so. But if the hand that shapes it is feminine, the monolithic vision of this beefy Southwest is undermined because, well behaved, the animal does a work of great finesse ... without departing from its legendary tannic structure. On 20 ha of fully mature vines, Corinne and Brigitte work to magnify this Madiran and Pacherenc du Vic-Bilh. Which leaves the specialized press indifferent ... A great success for these two sisters who have been able to travel the planet to discover other appellations. An open mind carrying great challenges and recognition, especially during the General Agricultural competition in Paris, with in 2011, in the limelight, the Sergent domain, Madiran 2009, Cuvée matured in oak barrels which obtained the 'Money. Gold, silver and bronze, a shower of medals since 1987.

Special issue for South West wines December 2010

Dussert Gerber Wine Guide 2017

"... the tannic finesse is mixed with a persistent roundness, a nice finish with smoky notes and overripe wild strawberry ..."

2* Guide Hachette 2014 : 

"Faithful to the appointment, Brigitte and Corinne Dousseau sign two finalist vintages of the coup de coeur, Two remarkable wines, in different styles ..."
 

1* Guide Hachette 2015 :

"… Matured in vats, a solid, powerful wine with aromas of black fruit and tight tannins…"

2* Guide Hachette 2014 :

"… This one has not experienced the wood and presents a fruity nose, with a touch of liquorice. On the same aromatic line, the mouth appears round and fleshy, supported by coated and melted tannins. A madiran greedy, to drink or to wait three or four years ... "