2023 Croix & Courbet Arbois En Chemenot Savagnin Ouillé, Jura

Croix & Courbet is the collaboration between two old friends, David Croix of Burgundy and Damien Courbet of the Jura. Their small collection of wines celebrates the distinctive vineyards and varieties of the Jura, combining Burgundian finesse with the region's wonderfully individual character. En Chemenot is a single vineyard Savagnin from Arbois, revealing a particularly elegant side of this fascinating grape.

The 2023 comes from the En Chemenot vineyard, where the Jura's marl rich soils provide an ideal home for Savagnin. Made in the ouillé style, with barrels regularly topped up to prevent oxidative development, the wine emphasises freshness, purity and the variety's naturally savoury personality rather than the pronounced nuttiness of traditional Jura whites.

Pale golden straw with bright green reflections. Preserved lemon, green apple and white grapefruit mingle with chamomile, fresh fennel and a hint of crushed stone. The palate is taut and beautifully textured, with vibrant citrus acidity, subtle orchard fruit and a distinctive salty mineral character. Gentle herbal notes and a touch of almond skin linger through the long, mouthwatering finish.

Try it with grilled sardines and lemon, steamed mussels with saffron and fennel, or a Comté and caramelised onion tart. Its savoury freshness would also be wonderful alongside crispy artichokes with garlic aioli.

Cellaring: Drink now to 2035. Savagnin's natural acidity and the wine's mineral structure should reward patient cellaring.