Domaine Lajibe, Serres-Seques, 2022

Citrus, Flint, Wild Herb

Jurançon / White / Manseng blend (Petit & Gros, plus Petit Courbu) / Biodynamic

The vineyards for Serres-Seques sit on very steep, shallow soils with mountain gravel and a warm, well-drained aspect. The grapes are hand-harvested and worked according to biodynamic principles. Fermentation is with indigenous yeasts and the dry Serres-Seques is typically vinified to full dryness, then matured for around a year in neutral wood (old barrels/neutral oak) before bottling. Minimal intervention in cellar: little or no added SO₂, no fining, frequently bottled unfiltered — the aim is to preserve energy, minerality and the pure Manseng fruit.

Notes on the producer

Jean-Baptiste Semmartin (Domaine Lajibe) left a career as an athlete to make wine and after experience in Bordeaux, Collioure and Burgundy (working with biodynamic practitioners) he established Domaine Lajibe on the Serres-Seques terroir. The estate is small (several hectares) and has been managed organically and more recently certified biodynamic (Demeter); Semmartin focuses on native varieties of the region (Petit & Gros Manseng, Petit Courbu) and crafts both bone-dry and late-harvest Jurançon cuvées that are praised for their precision, energy and terroir expression.