Domaine Labet en billat chardonnay 2019
- Region
- France » Vin de France
- Type
- white still, dry
- Producer
- Vintage
- 2019
- Grapes
- Chardonnay
- Alcohol
- 13.4
- Sugar
- 5.2
- Volume
- 750 mL
- Cellar
- not available
- Find at
Produced from Chardonnay vines planted in 1975, 1940, and 1893, utilising both massal and clonal selections. Situated on Lias-era clay and laminated schist soils. Harvested on 10 September 2019 and bottled on 27 July 2021.
sélection massale & clonale vigne plantée en 1975, 1940 et 1893 terroir d'argiles & de schistes carton du Lias vendange le 10/09/19 - mise bouteille 27/07/21 pH 3,08 - So2 libre <6mg/L - So2 total 11mg/L sucre 5.2g/L - acidité totale 7g/L, volatile 0,73g/L
Ratings
This one's fun. Smoke, lemon, lime, meringue, bruised apples, acacia, and a touch of honey - there's even a faint whiff of sherry. The acidity is piercing, the minerality sharp and precise, with a slight fizzy edge. It clamps down hard - so bracingly acidic it almost takes your breath away - but it's delicious. The long finish evolves beautifully, with fruit slowly emerging at the end. A wine with a challenge, but it's fantastic.
About Producer
Nestled in Sud-Revermont in the southern Côte du Jura, just 15 minutes from Château Chalon, Domaine Labet stands out for its pioneering yet modest family approach. Founded in Rotalier in 1974 by Alain Labet, the winery initially embraced the traditional 'sous voile' method - oxidative ageing under a yeast veil, without topping up the barrels. However, Alain soon realized that this approach blurred the distinctive varietal characteristics. In response, in 1992, he crafted his first "Fleur" wines, topping up barrels to retain the purity and precision of terroir. Initially challenging to sell locally, these "vins ouillés" quickly gained international recognition, influencing emerging Jura talents like Ganevat, Marnes Blanches, Les Dolomies, and others, turning the region into a vibrant breeding ground for innovation.
Today, Domaine Labet spans 14 hectares across four communes and 45 individual plots. Alain's children - Julien, Charline, and Romain - now manage the estate. Julien, with experience from Domaine Ramonet in Burgundy (brace yourself, prices start at around €200 per bottle) and Hamilton Russell in South Africa, leads winemaking with a natural yet meticulous style, significantly reducing sulphur usage even in challenging vintages. Charline, an experienced oenologist who also honed her skills in Chile, manages the cellar meticulously. Romain, trained in agriculture, oversees vineyard operations with profound care and respect.
Their vineyards feature continental climate conditions with soils rich in limestone and marls from the Triassic and Lias eras, distinctly different from those near Arbois due to the presence of Bajocian limestone. The vines - many over 60 years old - are organically certified by Ecocert, and biodynamic practices are employed. Chemicals are banned, organic compost is ploughed into the soil, and older vineyards rely solely on horse-driven ploughing. Yields vary from 10 to 40 hl/ha, depending on plot and weather, and annual production is limited to 60,000 highly sought-after bottles.
Vinification at Labet follows two clear paths. Most whites, notably the "Fleurs" range, undergo topped-up ageing in Burgundian barrels or demi-muids for at least 18 months, avoiding oxidation to showcase the vineyard's unique character. The traditional "vin de voile" wines, however, are aged oxidatively, allowing a yeast veil to develop and impart classic Jura notes of curry, hazelnut, and walnut.
Reds are partially destemmed and aged in larger wooden barrels or ancient foudres. Wines ferment spontaneously with indigenous yeasts, and sulphur is added only sparingly and transparently documented.
Domaine Labet's hallmark remains its straightforward philosophy: one vineyard, one wine - each capturing the essence of place and grape. Chardonnay dominates their white vineyards, alongside Savagnin, while reds comprise Pinot Noir, Poulsard, Trousseau, and Gamay. It's this dedication to purity and precision that has firmly placed Domaine Labet among Jura's most cherished estates.