Savagnin Ouillé, Grand Curoulet, Arbois,

More of a white flower note here than the exotic fruit of the Savagnin Ouille, a touch subtler and finer aromatically. The palate is sheer joy - a burst of flavour but unforced and presented with real charm - lime leaf , verbena, white tea, sicilian lemon and a faint but very enjoyable hint of lychee are all woven together by a fresh, fine thread of acidity. The flavours crescendo to a long echoing finish seasoned with really fine ground salt notes. Such a panoply of flavours delivered with incredible panache. Fabulous. Domaine du Pélican purchased this Grand Curoulet parcel in 2012 from Jean-Marc Brignot. Prior to Brignot, it was owned by Robert Aviet, a well-known name in Arbois amongst Jura wine lovers. Grand Curoulet is one of the very best terroirs of Arbois. It is a North-facing parcel located on the side of a hill that dominates Arbois and the plaine de la Saône. Grand Curoulet is known to be where the first vines of Arbois were planted. The estate’s holding of Grand Curoulet totals almost 5 hectares (12.5 acres). When they acquired the vineyard in 2012, they attempted to salvage its old (60+ years) vines, but had to recognise after one vintage that this was not possible. Hence they uprooted the parcel almost entirely, and took advantage of this to perform some very useful drainage restoration work. The parcel was replanted in 2015 with Savagnin (two thirds) and Chardonnay (one third) varietals. Grand Curoulet is a terroir that is most suitable for Savagnin. The soil is made of grey marls (about half the parcel) and multicoloured marls (green and wine-red) from the Trias geological period – the oldest and highest quality marls. Due to its North facing and windy location, Grand Curoulet usually matures later than the other terroirs of Domaine du Pélican. The crop is lightly crushed before being pressed, and fermentation is in foudres and barrels. One third of the crop macerates with the skins for one night before being pressed. Elevage is in 500L barrels with no new oak.