Description

Melon à queue rouge is an ancient strain of chardonnay that has been propagated from old plantings. It has been made with topped barrels without the voile (Flor) so is not at all like Vin Jaune. Pale gold colour, restrained citrus fruits, mineral, flint and a hint of oak. The palate has a good cut of acidity a hint of spice and very saline on the finish. It is quite lean at the moment but will build flesh on the bones from now to 2020. Match it with comte and lots of it.

Also known as ‘Caveau de Bacchus’ this 6Ha estate is one of the old guard of Arbois producers and one of the first in the region to bottle their own wines. Agriculutre is run according to ‘Lutte Raisonee’ standards with long elevage utilising wild yeasts and very old oak. Recommended by Clive Coates, Andrew Jefford and Jamie Goode to name a few opinion leaders.

Jura – Between Burgundy and Switzerland. Jura makes some truly distinctive whites and reds. Some need context and a few tastings to understand but they can be lovely. Oh, and the amazing Comte, the gruyere style cheese comes from this area.

Chardonnay – The grape that you can plant anywhere, in any climate and do anything to and it will still taste like an OK wine. When people hit the sweet spot of site, climate, cropping and winemaking, Chardonnay becomes a magical wine that will age gracefully but charm you at any age. Chardonnays can range from cool climate lean and citrusy to warmer climate tropical and overt. Oak and lees can add flavouring as can malolactic fermentation.