2018 Domaine Pignier - Chardonnay Cellier des Chartreux Cotes du Jura (750ml) [PRE ARRIVAL]

The story of Domaine Pignier reaches back to the 13th century, when Carthusian monks first tended vines in the village of Montaigu. After the French Revolution the estate was sold to the Pignier family, whose biodynamic farming and traditional cellar methods have made it one of the Jura's most admired addresses.

The 2018 Cellier des Chartreux is pure Chardonnay from En Boivin, a parcel in the Val de Vallière steephead valley, where the monks planted vines centuries ago. The soils are micaceous blue Lias marls, and yields are kept low to preserve the wine's natural balance. After slow pressing, fermentation and aging take place in oak barrels for about three years. The barrels are not topped up, allowing a veil of yeast to form over the wine, which protects it from air and builds the walnut and hazelnut character typical of Jura whites.

A gold-hued white, it offers aromas of dried fruit, almonds, hazelnuts, and butter, with dried apricot and star anise in the mix. The palate is full yet mellow, with bruised pear, a savory salinity, and bright acidity. Its firm structure suggests it will reward cellaring.