Chardonnay Jura 2023 Domaine Frédéric Lambert

Chardonnay Côtes du Jura 2023, Domaine Frédéric Lambert :

Manufacturer & Origin

Producer : Domaine Frédéric Lambert – a family-run winery located in Toulouse-le-Château in the Jura region. Lambert is known for making authentic Jura wines with a focus on traditional vinification.

Appellation : Côtes du Jura AOC – an area characterized by calcareous clay soil and cool climate, which produces wines with freshness, structure and terroir character.

Vintage : 2023 – a year with good ripening conditions in Jura, where the balance between acid and fruit is particularly successful.

Grape type & Production

Grape variety : 100% Chardonnay (locally called Melon d'Arbois in Jura).

Vinification :

Typically , long aging in barrels is used (often oak barrels are used so that the wood does not dominate).

Some of Lambert's wines are aged "sous voile" – under a thin veil of yeast, like Vin Jaune – which gives nutty and oxidative notes. For this Chardonnay, a slightly oxidative style is emphasized, but still with pure fruit and freshness.

Alcohol content : 13.5%

Appearance

Clear, golden straw yellow color with light green reflections, which testify to youth and freshness, but with a hint of gold from the barrel aging.

Aroma (Nose)

Fruit : ripe apples, pear, quince and some dried fruit.

Oxidative notes : hazelnuts, almonds, a little brioche.

Minerality : chalky and slightly salty aroma, characterized by the Jura terroir.

Spice & barrel : hints of vanilla, beeswax and subtle toastiness from the barrel.

Taste (Palette)

Attack : fresh and crisp acidity that provides structure and nerve.

Mid palate : creamy texture with a combination of ripe fruit and nutty notes. The taste is complex, yet elegant and vibrant.

Aftertaste : long and persistent, with a mineral and slightly salty touch that makes the wine appetizing.

Style and Character

Dry, medium to full body.

The combination of the Jura's chalky soil and the slightly oxidative aging gives both freshness and depth .

Very authentic Jura Chardonnay: neither too heavy nor too simple, but with a layer of complexity that makes it interesting both now and in the short term in the cellar.

Food pairing

Poultry : Coq au vin blanc, roasted chicken with mushroom sauce.

Fish : grilled or fried fish with butter and herbs.

Cheeses : Comté (the classic from the Jura), Morbier or Beaufort.

Vegetarian : mushroom dishes, risotto with parmesan, or grilled cauliflower with butter and nuts.

Conclusion

Domaine Frédéric Lambert's Chardonnay Côtes du Jura 2023 is a sophisticated and terroir-driven wine at 13.5% alcohol. It combines freshness, minerality and nutty complexity in a style characteristic of the Jura. A wine that can be drunk now for its lively energy or aged for a few years to develop deeper honeyed and nutty notes.