Arbois Savagnin Gerard Villet 2018

Gerard Villet produces his Arbois Savagnin following the Jura tradition of aging in partially filled barrels, presenting a Savagnin non-ouillé with distinctive oxidative notes. The oak barrels in which the wine rests are not filled to the brim and are not continuously topped up to compensate for the inevitable evaporation over the long term: the result is a white wine with a truly personal character, which the French palate prefers to serve as an aperitif.

Arbois Savagnin is made by Domaine Gerard Villet through the pure vinification of the iconic variety of the Jura region: the white grape Savagnin has adapted exceptionally well to the ancient slopes of the region and possesses a significant and refined aromatic heritage. The grapes come from the estate's plots surrounding the village of Arbois, from vines aged between 30 and 60 years. They are rooted in soils scattered with limestone gravel, above a deep soil characterized by very compact marls of clay-siliceous nature, located on the tortuous and irregular slopes, at altitudes between 300 and 400 meters above sea level. The manual harvest takes place at the complete ripeness of the bunches: after direct pressing, spontaneous fermentation occurs in stainless steel tanks and the subsequent aging takes place in old partially filled oak barrels, with formation of a light veil of yeast on the surface. The Savagnin is then bottled without filtration or other invasive interventions.

Arbois Savagnin by Gerard Villet presents itself with a full golden yellow hue, slightly hazy in appearance. The nose is rich and inviting, opening with distinctive notes of dried fruit that describe the oxidative matrix of the vinification. Within a frame of decidedly mineral imprint, the glass surprises with warm buttery notes and a fruitiness of ripe flesh. The sip is full and enveloping, elegantly balanced by a persistent saline trail and a sunny freshness, with pronounced ethereal hints leading to a decidedly dry finish.slightly oxidative offers a perfect occasion for an aperitif or a classic pairing with Comté.