Labet, Les Champs Rouges Chardonnay 2020

Description

About the Producer

In the late 1970s, Alain Labet, located in Rotalier in the Sud-Revermont, became one of the first winemakers in the Jura region to produce and bottle wines from individual terroirs separately. Unlike the traditional method in the region of aging wine under flor, Alain discovered that oxidative aging of chardonnay masked the distinct terroir characteristics that emerged after fermentation. To preserve the subtle nuances of the terroir, he regularly topped up his barrels, preventing the formation of a yeast layer called 'voile' that tends to dominate the wine's aroma. This approach resulted in more precise wines that showcased the variations in exposition and soil composition, revealing the exceptional terroir of France. Domaine Labet, a small family business, played a pivotal role in introducing topped white wines in the Jura. Alain Labet, alongside notable winemakers like Pierre Overnoy, departed from the traditional winemaking method that involved allowing oxygen to enter the barrels and the formation of a yeast layer called Flor. This change was motivated by the desire to create more precise and well-defined white wines that showcased the terroir. Alain's son, Julien, who had gained experience working at Ramonet in Burgundy, further enhanced the wines upon his return. The domaine practiced respectful and ethical agriculture, refraining from the use of chemical substances and minimizing the use of sulfur even in wet years. Julien's winemaking approach involved aging the white wines in Barrique and Demi-Muid for approximately two years, with limited maceration. The red wines were partially destemmed and aged in large wooden barrels. Bottling occurred in the spring, with gentle filtration if the wine appeared hazy. This approach has made the Jura region renowned for producing exceptional white wines.