A tribute to love, tenacity, and a close bond with the earth, Domaine de Souch is more than just a vineyard, tucked away in the lush foothills of the Pyrenees Mountains. In an area recognised for its unique wines, this biodynamic winery in Jurançon, southwest France, has come to represent honesty. Domaine de Souch captures the essence of its terroir with its long history, emphasis on indigenous grapes, and steadfast dedication to sustainable viticulture.
A Tale Stemming from Change
When Yvonne Hegoburu, who was in her 60s at the time, made the decision to focus on winemaking in the 1980s, Domaine de Souch was born. After her husband passed away, Yvonne turned to the grounds around their family home for comfort. Because of her vision and perseverance, what started out as a personal initiative swiftly expanded into a renowned vineyard. In order to take advantage of Jurançon’s distinct microclimate, which combines elements of the Pyrenean and Atlantic, Yvonne remodelled the estate by planting vines on steep hillsides.
Her risk paid off. As Domaine de Souch quickly became known for its sophisticated wines, Yvonne became a regional ambassador, proving that hardship and age could not stop creativity.
The Grapes and the Terroir
The native grapes of Jurançon, Petit Manseng, Gros Manseng, and Courbu, are the foundation of its wine tradition. The rough, sunny terrain of the area is ideal for these types. At an elevation of 300 meters, the Domaine’s vineyards produce grapes with remarkable complexity due to the steep slopes and varied soils, which are mostly clay and limestone.
Domaine de Souch adheres to the biodynamic farming concept, which synchronises viticulture with natural processes and moon cycles. By improving the soil’s health, this method makes sure that every vine captures the subtleties of its surroundings. Wines that are both lively and profoundly representative of their place of origin are the end product.
The Terroir and the Grapes
Its wine tradition is based on the indigenous grapes of Jurançon, Petit Manseng, Gros Manseng, and Courbu. These kinds thrive in the region’s rugged, sunny terrain. Because of the steep slopes and diverse soils, which are primarily clay and limestone, the Domaine’s vines, which are located at an elevation of 300 meters, yield grapes with exceptional complexity.
Domaine de Souch follows the biodynamic farming philosophy, which aligns viticulture with lunar cycles and natural processes. This technique ensures that each vine reflects the nuances of its environment by enhancing the health of the soil. The result is wines that are vibrant and deeply reflective of their region of origin.
A Tradition of Motivation
Domaine de Souch received widespread recognition under Yvonne Hegoburu’s leadership, attracting the interest of wine connoisseurs, critics, and sommeliers. The inspirational tale of Yvonne shows the strength of willpower and the capacity to begin over at any point in life.
Yvonne’s dedication to sustainability and excellence is still upheld by Domaine de Souch, a family-run business today. Although the methods have been improved over time, the fundamental principles of tradition and reverence for the natural world have not altered.
