Domaine Berthet-Bondet, Côtes du Jura Tradition, Jura, France, 2019

Producer Profile

Jean Berthet-Bondet has been working his land since 1984. With modest 15ha of 30-year-old vines, the estate may be small but is steeped in history and heritage.

Half of Jean’s land is in the Château Chalon appellation – home to the Savagnin grape, renowned for making the revered Vin Jaune. Exclusive to the Jura, this wine is harvested late and then aged in barrel for over six years. During this time a voile, or layer of yeast, forms on top of the wine, endowing it with a distinctive flavour of walnuts, hazelnuts and green almonds. A unique wine that has seen a resurgence of popularity in recent years, Vin Jaune has always been appreciated by the knowledgeable few.

The domain has an area of 15 hectares under organic cultivation and vineyards certified since 2010, including 6 ha of Savagnin, 5 ha of Chardonnay, 1 ha of Pinot noir, 1 ha of Poulsard and 1 ha of Trousseau. Most of the vines have been planted in the 1980's. The Savagnin vines are located around Château-Chalon and the other parcels are in different nearby villages. Vineyard work is mostly done by hand, with grass in every other row and carefully managed work on the soil.

Winemaking

The grapes are manually harvested, and the destemmed grapes are pressed and fermented in stainless steel tank. Aged for at least 2 years in old oak barrels under a layer of yeast which allows an oxidative process as the barrels are not topped up.

Tasting Note

This is a powerful, rich and complex wine with a nose of ripe apple, dried fruits and walnut. The palate is quite plump and fatty, yet and is supported by ample acidity. The long finish is remarkably nutty.

Food matching

Smoked fish, dishes garnished with garlic and parsley, white meat with a creamy sauce and mushrooms, spicy food (curry) and dishes cooked with cheese (Comté).