Domaine de Menard is situated in the tiny village of Gondrin in the Cotes de Gascogne and was founded by ex-pat Swiss Jean Francois Morel in 1920. Originally consisting of 10 hectares, the estate really became established when Jean Francois' daughter Denise, along with her husband Jean Jegerlhener, took over production in 1960 and constructed a new winery to coincide with a major replanting of the vines. Today there are over 120 hectares supervised by Denise and Jean's daughter Elisabeth, a qualified oenologist. 'Cuvee Marine' is the top white from the estate and is so named after the soil which contains large amounts of shellfish fossils which impart a mineral aspect to this wine. An award-winning white, this is a blend of 60% Colombard with equal parts Ugni Blanc and Gros Manseng.
A pale straw yellow in colour. Aromas of mango, pineapple and citrus fruits. On the palate, ample and elegant with floral notes and a waxy texture. The finish is lengthy and aromatic. Try with grilled poussins with garlic and lime, braised pork and apple pie or a spring vegetable quiche.