WINES FROM GASCOGNY

In Gascony, in the South West of France, there is a place like no other: the Domaine La Hitaire. The Domaine is situated in the "Côtes de Gascogne“, IGP appellation.

Armin and Rémy Grassa are brothers in life and in their work. Sons of Yves Grassa, the famous Gascon wine grower, they have naturally grasped and grown up with modern wine growing methods. Together, they bought the Domaine La Hitaire in 1999: 110 hectares which they have transformed and restructured.

THE VINEYARDS  100 % “propriétaire – récoltant” (wine grower)  110 hectares of vines: Ugni blanc, Colombard, Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Chenin, Sémillon, Gros Manseng and Petit Manseng. A TERROIR & A CLIMATE A mosaic of terroirs: Clay-limestone soils and “boulbène” topsoil (silica, clay, sand) enhanced by ochre-coloured sand known as “sables fauves”. An oceanic climate: A strong temperature amplitude between summer days and nights favouring the flavours’ precursors development in the grapes’ skin.

FROM THE VINEYARDS TO THE BOTTLE Destemming of the grapes during the mechanical harvest Protection against oxidation (transport of grapes in airtight tanks) Skin-contact maceration for 8 to 12 hours in temperature-controlled pneumatic presses Cold storage in temperature-controlled tanks at -2°C to preserve the wines’ freshness Bottling upon order to ensure consistent quality Light, easy-drinking wines (10.5 tp 12% alc.) THE ENVIRONMENT Sustainable growing methods Use of natural fertilizers Rainwater recycling Treatment of effluents (purification of used water and water used to rinse the bottles)

- OUR WINES -

LES TOURS GRAPE VARIETIES Ugni blanc 65%, Colombard 30% and Gros Manseng 5% TASTING NOTES A very delicate wine of magnificent intensity with floral and citrus aromas and beautiful nuances of exotic fruits. The palate is round, full of ripe fruits, rich in sensations, enhanced by a upfront and citrus finish. Its balance and harmony enhanced by its finesse and freshness make it a perfect wine for every occasion. Latest awards Concours Gilbert & Gaillard 2015, France - Gold Concours Prix-Plaisir Bettane & Desseauve 2015, France - Silver

SAUVIGNON BLANC GRAPE VARIETY Sauvignon 100% TASTING NOTES A very characteristic nose of very intense yet delicate floral notes and nuances of minerality along with a sensation of “ripe grapes”. A very attractive concentration, greatly refined and fresh. The palate is vivid, supple with wonderful lightness and roundness. Its great structure reflects beautifully the typical character of the variety. A wine full of pleasure and sensuality created by Armin and Rémy Grassa’s incredible skills ! Latest awards Berliner Wein Trophy 2015, Germany - Gold Concours Gilbert & Gaillard 2015, France - Gold Concours Mondial de Bruxelles 2015, Belgium - Silver

CHENIN - CHARDONNAY GRAPE VARIETIES Chenin 75% and Chardonnay 25% TASTING NOTES An intense, floral and vivid nose with pure aromas of fresh grapes evolving rapidly towards floral overtones of broom blossoms. Fresh and clean on the palate, preserving the primary flavours of ripe grapes. A well balanced wine between the typical Chenin characteristics of white almonds extracts and the roundness of the Chardonnay. A very pleasurable wine to be enjoyed as soon as spring arrives for its lightness and its floral aromas which will quench your thirst.

CHARDONNAY GRAPE VARIETY Chardonnay 100%, partially aged in oak TASTING NOTES Magnificent pale, very bright and limpid gold colour. The first nose is very subtle with floral characters and light vanilla hints. The aeration is complex with touches of wood, fresh butter, hazelnut, and even though lightly toasted, this wine remains youthful. A very refreshing palate, powerful and rich accompanied by a beautiful recurrence of toasted bread. Latest awards Berliner Wein Trophy 2015, Germany - Gold Concours Gilbert & Gaillard 2015, France - Gold Mundus Vini 2015, Germany - Silver

HORS SAISON GRAPE VARIETIES Sauvignon 70% and Sémillon 30% (partially aged in oak) TASTING NOTES A clear pale gold colour. A very intense, fresh and elegant nose of fruity aromas and vanilla notes. The palate is full, refined, crisp with great roundness and volume, evolving towards subtle toasted notes, crusty bread and hazelnut. Fresh and ripe with lingering stone-fruit aromas (apricot). Richness and fullness convey an abundance of fruit, heightened by fresh hints of slight sparkle. Latest awards Concours Gilbert & Gaillard 2015, France - Gold Concours Mondial du Sauvignon 2015, France - Silver

CHARDONNAY, SAUVIGNON GRAPE VARIETIES Chardonnay 50% and Sauvignon 50% TASTING NOTES Pale gold with green glints. An explosive nose with floral notes mixed with spice, developing almost immediately into citrus aromas over an elegantly fresh background. The palate is delicate yet invasive. The mineral character of the Sauvignon is supported by the roundness of the Chardonnay. Striking volume and balance give way to a mellow finale of grapefruit and white pepper. A wine to be enjoyed on its own, just for pure pleasure…

JARDIN D'HIVER GRAPE VARIETIES Gros Manseng 80% and Petit Manseng (20%) TASTING NOTES Magnificent, rich golden colour. A nose of crystallised fruits, almost toasted with a sensation of fully ripe apricot and very delicate woody notes with hints of delicate spices and angelica. A lot of fruitiness on a round, fresh, light and elegant palate. The sweetness is crisp and the fruit extremely ripe. A truly superb well balanced wine filled with luscious fruit and fresh acidity, which one never tires of sipping slowly on a summer evening. Latest awards Concours des Vins du Sud-Ouest 2015, France - Gold International Wine Challenge 2015, UK - Gold Sélections Mondiales des Vins 2015, Canada - Silver International Wine & Spirits Competition 2015, UK - Silver Mundus Vini 2015, Germany - Silver