Domaine du Pélican: Savagnin Grand Curoulet 2019

“Fabulous” Jura

Eastern France’s artisanal wine region of Jura has been generating much excitement amongst wine lovers these last few years. One estate that has been gaining particular recognition recently is Domaine du Pélican; biodynamically-grown wines that mix thrilling terroir character with refinement and poise. Some of their most acclaimed whites come from Arbois’ crown jewel, the Grand Curoulet vineyard. Their 2019, made from the wonderfully complex and zesty indigenous grape variety, Savagnin, is a particularly fine and much-lauded example that is just starting to come into its drinking window.

Its subtle power, fresh herbal character, exotic fruit and savoury minerality are all seamlessly knit together and make for a truly complex, rewarding drop – but don’t just take our word for it, Julia Harding is also clearly a fan:

"Less immediate fruit impact than from the straight Savagnin Ouillé, more mineral and restrained, some stone dust, but you can sense the underlying power of the fruit. It’s herbal to begin but underneath that is some riper fruit – citrus and even lychee – notes, a little smoky too. It’s the stony mineral side that gets stronger as the wine opens. And then there’s a burst of fruit power and intensity on the palate with a lovely grainy tension and mouth-watering depths. Fabulous power and length and yet still so refined." Julia Harding 18/ 20