From: Jura, France
Varietal: Savagnin
Taste: In this "baby vin jaune" style, the Savagnin grape, under the protective veil (voile) of flor yeast, unfolds a captivating complexity of savory, nutty nuances, replete with a deep richness. All this to say, this wine isn’t only savory! Albariño-esque notes of briny lemon, ripe peach, white flower, and a hint of green herbs come to its aromatic forefront, followed by those nutty, savory, umami undertones. The palate is greeted by those same briny citrus notes, enhanced by savory, earthy flavors of mushroom, truffle, and a whisper of onion skin.
Pairing: When it comes to pairing, the 2018 Frédéric Lornet Arbois Savagnin Non Ouillé makes a compelling companion to a variety of dishes. The nutty, savory characteristics of the wine pair beautifully with aged Comté cheese. For a more substantial meal, consider almond-crusted roast chicken thighs, or perhaps a Gruyere cheese soufflé (see below). The wine's affinity for umami flavors also makes it a worthy partner to sherry-accompanying dishes such as olives in olive oil, iberico ham, or a delectable ham and butter baguette sandwich. Even a simple dish of roasted chicken served over roasted shallots and fingerling potatoes, accompanied by a side of sautéed mushrooms, can unlock a new dimension of the wine.
Gruyère and Chive Soufflé
By Melissa Clark
About. The Lornet family was among the pioneers in bottling Arbois AOP wines, with Frédéric representing the third generation to oversee the domaine. Their winery, ensconced within a 13th-century Cistercian Abbey, boasts cool cellars that are kept cool by creamy limestone walls. The winery overlooks a patchwork of vineyards, averaging 30 years in age, covering 16 plots once marked out by the abbey's monks.
Lornet's modern winemaking approach, focusing on the freshness of the wines, contrasts with the ancient setting. A careful pressing and racking process, followed by slow, controlled fermentation in stainless steel and then aging in neutral oak, all contribute to creating Chardonnays that shine with the purity of flavor and terroir.
In the words of Master Sommelier Ian Cauble, “This Jura Chardonnay illustrates that a cleaner, more modern style of winemaking doesn’t need to sacrifice the personality of a region...it’s a touch wilder and more fun than that." This delightful and exceptional value-for-money wine is a testament to the revival and revolution in the Jura, signifying a bright future for this ancient wine region.