Chardonnay Côtes du Jura 2023

Chardonnay Côtes du Jura 2023 is a natural wine crafted by Caveau du Val de l'Amour , in the Jura region in France. This white wine is made with Chardonnay grapes, vinified in his winery in the vilage of Cramans just north of Arbois, of which the winery is essentially his garage at the back of his house. Its a very small operation, and he farms just 1.5-2 hectares so these wines are not easy to come by, and not too much sold outside the region.

This 2023 Chardonnay Cotes du Jura differs from the Arbois one quite a bit. Tasting on the day of arrival (keep that in mind, as wines not always best at this time!) here the nose is a little silent at first, suggesting a carafe could open it up. After some air, some soft smoke and herbs creep in with notes of buttery pastry, green apple as well as spices like aniseed and mild chilli, leading to more salty and savoury aspects. Very cool, just pop it in a carafe for a fuller expression.

Personally we feel the Chardonnay Arbois 2023 "Vieilles Vignes" expresses a more wow expression than this one straightaway, but this is not to say this Cotes du Jura does not deserve praise!