2021 Croix & Courbet Arbois 'En Chemenot'

Place: Arbois - Jura, France

Variety: Savagnin

Farming: Biodynamic

Words from the importer, Bibendum:

100% Savagnin (ouillé). The Arbois lieu-dit of En Chemenot lies just east of the village (Domaine des Cavarodes have a Poulsard from the same site). A north-facing hillside plot at 350 meters elevation, the here soils are blue and grey marl. The Savagnin was planted in 2004 and the vineyard is managed using both organic and biodynamic methods. Courbet is delighted with the quality coming off these vines (a portion of which is also used for the Côtes du Jura blend).

The winemaking here was similar to the Côtes du Jura—hand harvest, natural yeasts, low sulphur, etc. This cuvée was vinified 90% in cement egg tank and 10% in a one-year-old barrel: Croix likes the tension and minerality the egg brings to the density of this vineyard’s fruit.

It’s a denser and more complex expression than the Côtes de Jura blend, with a powerful, compact palate bristling with energy. There’s an intense core of Savagnin savouriness alongside deep citrus and some brown spice. It treads a fine line between crystalline, limestone minerality and layered generosity, with a textured mouthfeel shot through by vibrant freshness. A beautiful wine of great purity, length and precision.