The Cauhapé Estate

Nestled in the heart of Jurançon, between the Pyrénées mountains and the Atlantic ocean, the Cauhapé estate spreads over 54 hectares with generous southeast exposure. Discover the work in the vineyard and in the cellar throughout the year.

The Cauhapé vineyard

The first vines were planted in 1558. Representing only a few acres at the time, the Cauhapé vineyard now covers 53 hectares. This terroir benefits from a very unique microclimate and is ideal for the production of very aromatic white wines.

The soil, made up mostly of clay and silica, allows our native grape varieties to express their full potential. The vineyards are steep and planted on the hillside, at varying altitudes, up to 400 meters.

The important thermal variation between day and night at the end of summer and autumn helps to preserve the precious acidity that affirms the unique character of our wines.

Work in the vineyard

All the daily work is "hand sewn" :

Pruning

We select a shoot with six eyes, which will generate the next harvest.

Disbudding

We remove the buds on the foot and the head of the vine to obtain a balanced foliage.

Palissage

Work that consists in raising the plant’s branches and stapling them to supporting wires to optimize photosynthesis.

Trimming

After having raised the plant, the portion of branches that overflows is cut with a trimming machine (“manicured” vines).

Leaf removal

Aeration of the grape bunches by removal of the internodes and of some leaves within the vine.

The grape harvest

The grape harvest is manual and the grapes are picked in small, 10-kg boxes.