It is very possible that Yves Grassa, the proprietor of Domaine Lalande, could be considered one of France?s finest white winemakers. Although this estate is located in a region known more for producing fine Armagnac brandies, Yves has been dedicated to growing ?alternative? varietals and producing some of the freshest white wines to be found anywhere. Almost twenty years ago Yves planted 60 acres of Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc in this southwestern appellation. He used great care in selecting very good sites, and then planted the vines densely. Crop-thinning, investments in modern equipment and meticulous winemaking are behind the success of this delicious Chardonnay.

Chardonnay Vin de Pays des Cotes de Gascogne
All of the fruit for this wine is hand-harvested in the early morning, while the grapes are still cool and firm and then whole-cluster pressed in order to extract the maximum flavors and aromatics. Lalande Chardonnay is barrel made in 1/3 new, 1/3 one-year, and 1/3 two-year oak casks. Harvest normally takes place during the first part of September here, with the wines kept on the lees and stirred regularly (called battonage) s until being bottled unfiltered around the first of April each year. The Lalande Chardonnay is rich in flavor, but not at all heavy. A great wine and a terrific value!!
2003 $10.99
2002 $10.99 available
"There were 2200 cases of the 2002 Chardonnay Vin de Pays des Cotes de Gascogne produced for the U.S. market. Entirely barrel-fermented (in equal proportions new, 1st, 2nd, and 3rd year barrels) and aged, its lees were stirred throughout its elevage, ending a week prior to bottling. The result is the finest Chardonnay I?ve tasted from this estate. This wine?s spiced pear aromas lead to a softly-textured, generous personality. Loads of velvety white fruits and spices can be found in this lush, expressive wine. It should be enjoyed over the next 1-2 years." Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate #148

Sauvignon Vin de Pays des Cotes de Gascogne
The Grassa approach has been considered revolutionary in this region. Their family has invested in state-of-the-art technology while maintaining a traditional sense of winemaking over five generations. Lalande?s nearly forty acres of Sauvignon Blanc vines were planted in 1984. The vineyards are meticulously maintained, and yields are below 45 hecto/hectare. The fruit is hand-harvested and whole-cluster pressed. Grassa uses skin-contact to extract perfume and exuberant flavors of tropical fruit. It is vinified in stainless steel.
2003 $9.99
2002 $9.99 available
"The big, luscious 2002 Sauvignon Vin de Pays des Cotes de Gascogne bursts with citrus-tinged white peach aromas. This suave, medium-bodied, satin-textured wine is packed with gooseberries, minerals, flowers, and candied grapefruit rinds. It is a top-flight value that should be consumed over the next 18 months." Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate #148