The 2023 Croix & Courbet Arbois En Chemenot Savagnin Ouillé is a distinctive Jura white made from Savagnin grown in the En Chemenot lieu-dit of Arbois. Unlike Vin Jaune, the wine is topped up during maturation to avoid oxidative ageing, preserving the grape’s freshness while allowing the mineral and savoury character of the Jura terroir to shine. It shows lemon, green apple and white peach alongside fresh herbs, white flowers, citrus peel and subtle nutty and stony notes.
On the palate, it is medium-bodied and finely textured, with vibrant acidity supporting layers of citrus, orchard fruit and delicate stone fruit. Lemon and green apple are complemented by white peach and subtle herbal and floral notes, while a fine mineral and saline character provides tension and length. Gentle almond and savoury nuances add complexity without dominating the fresh fruit, giving the wine a clean, energetic profile. The finish is dry, precise and persistent, with lingering citrus, mineral, herbal and lightly nutty notes.
Ben’s Recommendation:
At Wine More Cellars, this is an excellent choice for drinkers who enjoy distinctive French whites with freshness, mineral detail and subtle savoury complexity. The Ouillé style makes it a particularly approachable introduction to Savagnin, retaining the grape’s Jura character without the stronger oxidative profile of Vin Jaune. Best enjoyed over the next 4–7 years. Serve lightly chilled with Comté, grilled trout with lemon and herbs, roast chicken with mushrooms, seared scallops, pork with fennel, or creamy mushroom and leek risotto.
