Domaine Courbet Savagnin sous voile Côtes du Jura AOC 2018

Domaine Courbet is a family-run estate of just 7.5 hectares, founded in 1869. Since rising star Damien Courbet took over winemaking duties from his father, Jean-Marie, work in the vineyards has been done biodynamically, and the domaine is in transition to organic certification as well. Half of the vineyards are situated on the slopes directly below the village of Château-Chalon, the most prestigious appellation of the region, with the remainder located in the nearby communes of Domblans and Menétru. This delightful savagnin is from two parcels of biodynamically grown vines planted on clay-limestone and gray marl soils; one fairly high up, and one nestled under the cliff of Château Chalon. Harvest is done by hand and only indigenous yeasts are used for fermentation, which occurs in tank. The wine is then aged in barrel for two years, the second year of which is “sous-voile” (under a “veil” of yeast, which lends the characteristic nutty character Jura savagnin is prized for), before bottling with minimal sulfur. Damien’s winemaking is deft and transparent, allowing varietal and terroir expression to shine through elegantly, while retaining freshness and balance. This classic savagnin is lusciously nutty and spicy, with layers of baked golden apple, hazelnut, and honeycomb. A luxuriously long finish and faint hint of saline minerality make this quite a mouthful! Organically grown, low-intervention/natural wine, vegan.