From: Jura, France

Varietal: 50% Chardonnay, 50% Savagnin

The Champ Divin estate and winery are located within the Côtes du Jura AOC, just a 12-minute drive south and a bit west from the Jura’s main center of commerce, the town of Lons-le-Saunier. There, Fabrice and Valérie grow Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Savagnin. They emphasize patience and observance as two necessary principles for understanding their locale and learning from their sites to better accommodate a balance in the vineyard. All 5 hectares (about 12.4 acres) of vineyards have organic and biodynamic certification, as indicated by the “vin Demeter” located at the bottom of their front labels. Champ Divin’s 2020 Cuvée Castor is a blend of equal parts Chardonnay, the Burgundian varietal that has been grown in the Jura since the Middle Ages, and the less common but ancient indiginous varietal called Savagnin.

Tasting Notes: “The antithesis of the regionally famous Vin Jaune wines of Jura, this Chardonnay Savagnin blend is more akin to Burgundy, yet with perhaps a bit more pep in its step so to speak. This wine is all about all purity, precision, and richness, with a tastebud tantalizing combination of toasty nutty richness, pristine lemon-zest, and candied citrus intensity.” –Different Drop

Pairing: The minerality and healthy acidity present in this wine makes it particularly well suited to drink with fresh crustaceans, creamy/buttery chicken dishes, canapés, or even a simple brie.