2023 Croix & Courbet Savagnin Ouillé Côtes du Jura, Jura

Croix & Courbet brings together two old friends, Burgundy winemaker David Croix and Jura native Damien Courbet. Their small collection of wines celebrates the Jura's distinctive grape varieties and vineyards, with a particular affection for freshness, texture and understated complexity. This Savagnin Ouillé is a wonderful introduction to the variety's more contemporary, non oxidative style.

Savagnin is one of the Jura's great treasures, prized for its naturally high acidity, savoury character and ability to age. The 2023 is made in the ouillé style, meaning the barrels are topped up during maturation to limit oxygen exposure. Rather than the pronounced nutty character of traditional oxidative Jura wines, the emphasis here is on pure fruit, mineral freshness and the variety's intriguing herbal qualities.

Pale golden straw with green reflections. Preserved lemon, crisp green apple and white grapefruit mingle with chamomile, fresh fennel and a hint of wet stone. The palate is taut yet beautifully textured, with vibrant citrus acidity, subtle orchard fruit and a distinctive salty edge. A little almond skin and savoury spice emerge through the long, mouthwatering finish.

Try it with grilled sardines and lemon, steamed mussels with fennel and saffron, or crispy potato rösti topped with crème fraîche and fresh herbs. It would also be superb with aged Comté and toasted walnuts.

Cellaring: Drink now to 2035. Savagnin's natural acidity makes this a promising candidate for extended ageing