Arbois Réserve Chardonnay Henri Maire 2000

Lot presentation

Arbois Réserve Chardonnay Henri Maire 2000

The wine

The first French AOC in 1936, Arbois is also Jura's largest appellation. This "fertile land" ("ar" and "bos" in Celtic), in the north of the Jura, produces red, rosé and white wines from five authorized grape varieties (Chardonnay, Savagnin, Pinot Noir, Trousseau and Poulsard). Located around the town of Arbois, the vineyards are spread over 13 communes. Producers in the commune of Pupillin can add this name to the appellation on their label. The white wines are mainly made from Chardonnay. However, the terroir, how they are aged (topped up, or not, i.e. the degree of oxidization) and the possible incorporation of Savagnin into the blend results in some highly original wines. Arbois also produces the famous vin jaune, a wine that is aged under a film of yeast for six years and three months, thereby developing a unique oxidized style and nutty aromas. Finally, there is the vin de paille, a sweet wine made from grapes that have been dried for six weeks on straw or racks, and grown with very low yields (20 hl/ha). They have to age for at least three years and develop aromas of candied fruit, prunes, honey and candied oranges.