Domaine Berthet-Bondet, La Queue Au Renard, Jura, France, 2022

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.

Viticulture

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 Pinot Noir is selected from parcels including old vines planted in the 70's and another planted more recently in 2017. Harvest is done manually, the grapes are destemmed before a maceration for 10 days. The wine is then aged in oak barrels for 14 months.

Tasting Note

A light and fruity wine, with notes of ripe red fruits like dark cherry. Very gentle and elegant tannins.

Food Matching

Excellent to go with charcuterie, red meat and barbeque grills.