Fleur de Savagnin Domaine de la Tournelle 2015

The Fleur de Savagnin has classic varietal aromas of pith and salty white fruits and apple with a note of something earthy or cheesy. On the palate, it is rich and strong but with great acidity and a salty twang reminiscent of Vin Jaune. If you don't like the more common oxidised version of this variety then try Fleur de Savagnin with some Jura cheese, it is a magnificent pairing. Evelyne and Pascal Clairet own 7 hectares in the region around Arbois, the famous wine growing capital of the Jura. They farm biodynamically and follow Maria Thun's calender in all the operations. They use no sulphur at bottling, but sometimes add 2 or 3 grams per litre earlier in the wine making. Unlike many Jura producers, they are looking to avoid oxygen in most of their wines (the Vin Jaune and Vin de Paille are oxidised) to keep the freshness of the fruit. Their wines are a combination of golden chardonnay fruit and Jura minerals. They are linear and precise and have the most incredible texture of any chardonnay i have tasted. Top Burgundy wines sell for incredible prices but in terms of quality, complexity and sheer pleasure to drink, i have not come across many Chardonnay that rival the wines of Domaine de la Tournelle. Their Savagnin is also of outstanding quality and the salty twang allied to minerals and crisp elegance make it a stunning food pairing wine. For those who appreciate the unusual yet mesmerizing flavours of Vin Jaune, theirs is one of the most delicate and elegant you will find.