Domaine Séailles is located in Mouchan, in the Gers region. As is traditional in the Côtes de Gascogne , Armagnac and wines with the typical aromatic profiles of the appellation form the core of its production. Its notable distinguishing feature is its entirely organic production.
A booming score
The rise of Domaine Séailles began in the 90s. Acquired at that time by Roger Laberenne, its surface area was limited to 8 hectares dedicated to Armagnac production. Over time, the vineyards have expanded and diversified. Today, they cover 25 hectares, where grape varieties well-suited to the vinification of both white and red wines coexist. While Jean Laberenne has now succeeded his father Roger, he has also partnered with the expertise of Julien Franclet , who has been imprinting his style on the entire production since 2009. Major renovations attest to the dynamism of Domaine Séailles : the new winery, almost complete, will soon be complemented by the tasting room and new offices.
Vinification guided by the terroir
At Domaine Séailles , vine care is at the heart of everything they do. Located on hillsides with a south/southwest exposure, the vineyard, certified organic since 2002, is distinguished by its rich plant life. Between the rows of vines, broad beans, vetch, and triticale protect and enrich the soil. They contribute to the fertility of the grape varieties, which include Ugni Blanc for Armagnac , Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon for the red wines, and Petit and Gros Manseng, as well as Sauvignon Blanc and Gris , for the white wines. Their selection was determined by the quality of the soils in this region of Ténarèze, where clay-limestone substrates and some sandy-clay soils predominate. The structured potential that these soils impart to the grapes has led Julien Franclet to favor gentle winemaking techniques. Aging in concrete tanks plays a crucial role, even replacing barrel aging for maturing certain high-end vintages.
A range with melodic accents
The expression of the wines and Armagnacs from Domaine Séailles is quite clear and well-structured. For the Armagnacs , priority is given to the vintage rather than the blend. This choice is particularly evident during tasting. One journeys through an aromatic history that unfolds from the oldest vintage, dating back to 1972, to those from the organic conversion period, dating back to 2002. The white and red wines coexist in three ranges. The Cubik collection , produced outside the appellation, announces a fruity and pleasant style, particularly pronounced in the 100% Merlot red. Then, the progression becomes more defined with the Presto cuvée , which rounds out the typical aromatic signatures of the Côtes de Gascogne . Here, one appreciates the winemaker's work, where punch-downs and aging in concrete tanks perfectly regulate the structured accents imparted by the terroir. The Orfeo cuvée clearly demonstrates that Gascony can produce excellent organic wines . The musical connotation so dear to Jean Laberenne finds perfect expression in this beautifully crafted wine, which undergoes an initial aging in oak barrels for 12 months, followed by a further 24 months of maturation in concrete tanks.