The Arrufiac is a native grape variety of the Southwest, originating in Béarn and the Adour valley. It’s the main grape variety of Vic Bilh, formerly cultivated in “hautain” (tutoring vine to tree), and was partially abandoned during the post-phylloxera reconstruction.
The Arrufiac is currently regaining its essential place in the production of Pacherenc and is part of the composition of Saint Mont white wines. It’s particularly appreciated for its distinctively refined aromas and intensity.
Vines have white cottony budding with pink edging. Its leaves are very cut out and rather coarsely bubbled, with a tendency to revolt. Below is the downy leaf blade with an open lyre petiolar sinus with red petiolar point. It has large clusters with small, slightly ovoid grapes.
The Arrufiac grape is often blended with Petit Courbu which, along with Arrufiac’s distinctive gunflint aroma, give wines of Pacherenc du Vic-Bilh a distinctive contrast to the white wines of nearby Jurançon. Additionally, winemakers in Gascony have blended Arrufiac with the other grapes of Jurançon, like Petit Manseng and Gros Manseng.
Arrufiac is vigorous, yet sensitive to mildew and black rot, and renowned for the typicity of its aromas.
Production area: 31 ha (77 acres in 2018)
Sud Selections 