Wines by region / Southwest / Béarn / Domaine Lapeyre

Domaines Lapeyre Guilhemas - Béarn

Salies-de-Béarn, Pyrénées-Atlantiques

Although production within the tiny Béarn appellation is dominated by the Cave Coopérative, one independent producer exists: Pascal Lapeyre. The Lapeyre family has been making wine here since 1909. Later in the century they were the first domaine to market Béarn in a fluted bottle, leading to a court case brought on by the Alsatians to protect their identity. The Bearnais were victorious, however, which is why the traditional bottle for Béarn rosé and Jurançon sec has remained fluted.
 
The size of the Lapeyre property was expanded in 1960 by brothers René and Jean, and a new chai was constructed to house more modern equipment. At that point, their wine was respected in the area, but still greatly overshadowed by the tremendous production of the local cooperative.

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Today Jean’s son Pascal Lapeyre, the 4th generation, is in charge of winemaking for the family’s two vineyards: Domaine Guilhemas and Domaine Lapeyre. Like so many other young winemakers in France, Pascal is the first generation to have actually studied enology, doing an internship at Château Cheval Blanc in St. Emilion. He is also the first generation to use small oak barrels to age his wine, and the first to bring worldwide respect to the Béarn appellation.
 
The vineyards are located about half a mile uphill from the chai, planted on a 20-degree slope of chalk and clay soil. The harvest is done manually, and normally takes place at the end of September. Each varietal is aged separately in oak, about 20% new each year. As with the date of harvest, the aging period varies with each vintage. Blending takes place after every racking. Fining is done with egg whites, and a very light filtration is performed before bottling. Ten months of bottle age is mandatory before the wine is put on the market.

Vigneron Pascal Lapeyre

The wine is, simply put, a milestone for the Béarn appellation. The best wines from the property are released under the banner of Domaine Lapeyre. Domaine Guilhemas (named after the property on which the chai sits), produces a white, a rosé and a red. Whereas Pascal's Béarn Rouge lacks the aging capability of many Madirans, they provide much more immediate pleasure than most wines of that neighboring commune.

Domaine Guilhemas Béarn Blanc
Possibly the only 100% Raffiat de Moncade imported into the U.S., this wine is a rarity and a gem. The grapes (an extremely scarce local variety) are hand-harvested, then 100% destemmed and fermented at a controlled cool temperature. The wine is then aged sur lie in tank and bottled in the spring. A fascinating white wine, with aromas of juicy pear and apple, and a mildly tropical yet refreshingly crisp palate. Fantastic with the cuisine of the region.

Domaine Guilhemas Béarn Rosé
A blend of 75% Tannat and 25% Cabernet Franc, which are hand harvested and then 100% destemmed and fermented at a controlled cool temperature. The wine is then aged sur lie in tank and bottled in the spring. A gorgeous salmon-colored rosé with a lively nose of strawberries and a slight smoky note. Its round, dark fruit palate makes it a highly versatile food wine. 

Domaine Lapeyre Béarn Rouge
60% Tannat, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Cabernet Franc, which are destemmed and fermented separately with indigenous yeasts. The maceration period lasts between 15 and 21 days, during which time the cap is punched down with frequency. A small amount of press wine is added to enhance the color. Ripe, dark fruit soars from the glass, while in the mouth, supple vanilla-scented cassis, blackberry, raspberry, and almonds notes coat the palate. The tannins are round and well-integrated, giving the wine structure without being domineering, and the finish is pleasingly long.