From: Jura, France
Varietal: Chardonnay
Taste: This 2022 Arbois Chardonnay from Domaine Frédéric Lornet is delightful and shockingly affordable. On the nose, it opens with bright, herbaceous notes, suggesting the aromatic batter of a French pound cake, replete with zesty lemon, tart yogurt, and a subtle hint of brown sugar. A firm backbone of minerality anchors the taste profile on the palate, accented by notes of salty preserved lemon and crunchy pears. Earthier undertones of fresh white mushrooms and dried peaches emerge at the core, leading to a satisfyingly dense finish. This Chardonnay challenges and rewards the palate with its intricate layers, leaving a lasting impression well after the final sip. We recommend starting this journey with it chilled and then letting it warm up slowly in the glass without corking the bottle. As the wine acclimates to its surroundings, it’ll open up wonderfully and showcase those earthy and stone fruit flavors.
Pairing: To best complement this wine, opt for light fare, such as sautéed scallops (check out the recipe below) or olive-oil roasted chicken with a spritz of Meyer lemon. Pair either with little German butterball potatoes rolled in sea-salt and parsley. Other pairing options include egg dishes such as quiche, French omelet’s, eggs poached in buttery sorrell sauce, and classic soufflé, like Melissa Clark’s Gruyère and Chive Soufflé. Frittata’s and Spanish Tortillas would pair beautifully too! Take your time to savor the evolving flavors in your glass as the wine unfurls its complexities throughout the evening.
Scallops With Sorrel Butter
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.
