From: Savoie, France
Varietal: Jacquere
Tasting Notes: On the nose, the wine exudes soft, inviting notes of white flowers, ripe peach, and hints of green apple, complemented by a subtle underlying minerality. The first sip reveals a vibrant, mouth-watering acidity that is perfectly balanced by a slightly weighty mid-palate, showcasing flavors of crisp citrus, fresh green herbs, and wet stone. As the wine evolves, nuances of lime zest and white peach emerge, leading to a long, refreshing finish that leaves a lingering impression of minerality and zesty acidity. This elegant, approachable, and versatile wine is the epitome of alpine freshness.
Pairing: The 2021 Mary Taylor, Chignin Benjamin Ravier's bright acidity and mineral-driven profile make it an ideal companion for a variety of dishes. It can effortlessly enhance the flavors of light seafood dishes, such as grilled fish, shrimp, or scallops, as well as complement simple poultry preparations like roast chicken or turkey. Additionally, it can cut through the richness of cream-based pasta dishes and risottos, as well as balance the flavors of tangy goat cheese or soft, creamy Brie.
Given its origin in the Savoie region of France, this wine pairs exceptionally well with traditional Savoyard cuisine. Consider pairing it with raclette, tartiflette, or fondue Savoyarde to bring out the region's authentic flavors. The wine's acidity can easily cut through the richness of these cheese-based dishes, while its minerality and citrus notes complement the earthy potatoes and savory cured meats often found in these recipes.
For a vegetarian pairing, consider serving the 2021 Mary Taylor, Chignin Benjamin Ravier with a zesty, lemony quinoa salad studded with fresh herbs, cherry tomatoes, and cucumber, or a creamy goat cheese and spinach-stuffed crepe (or the Herbed Crepes with Goat Cheese Filling recipe we’re sharing below!). Another option is a savory mushroom risotto or a delicate vegetable-based quiche, both of which would benefit from the wine's lively acidity and refreshing minerality.
Herb Crepes With Goat Cheese Filling
By Martha Rose Shulman
About. Nestled at the eastern edge of the Rhône Alps in the Savoie, Chignin AOP is situated on the southwest-facing slopes of the Bauges Mountains, directly facing the hill of Chartreuse. This unique terroir benefits from ample sunshine, a cool climate, and high-drainage sloping vineyards, giving the wines their signature vibrancy and minerality.
The Chignin AOC is one of the 16 subregions of Vin de Savoie and permits the use of Jacquère along with up to 20% of other selected white varietals such as Chardonnay and Aligoté. The 2021 Mary Taylor, Chignin Benjamin Ravier, made entirely from Jacquère grapes, is a prime example of the potential this grape variety holds when nurtured in the right environment.
Benjamin Ravier, the winemaker behind this cuvée, is committed to sustainable practices that protect the integrity of the crop and the expression of the terroir. By adhering to the HVE 3 standards of sustainability, Ravier minimizes the use of phytosanitary products and sulphur in the vineyards. The grapes are hand-harvested, gently pressed, and fermented without maceration in stainless steel. Indigenous yeasts are selected from the vineyards, and the wine does not undergo secondary malolactic fermentation. Three months of lees contact impart a pleasant textural quality and a roundness that balances the wine's liveliness and minerality.
The 2021 vintage experienced a small harvest due to frost in May, but the well-located plots in Chignin resulted in a lower yet high-quality yield. A sunny summer allowed for the grapes to reach optimal maturity, resulting in an intensely aromatic vintage.
Wine Details:
Size: 750ml
Appellation: Chignin
Soil Type: Limestone and Glacial Marls
Varieties: 100% Jacquère
Age of Vines: 40 years
Farming: Sustainable
Alcohol: 11.5%
Aging Details: 10-year-old barrel
Sulphur Total: 80mg/L
