Berthet-Bondet - Côtes du Jura Chardonnay Tradition 2021

Bettane & Desseauve

About the estate:

The estate overlooks Château-Chalon, perched on a rocky outcrop at an altitude of 450 meters. Jean has passed the baton to his daughter Hélène, who came to take over after a first career as a translator in Brussels, and ensure the smooth running of the 15 hectares. Certified organic since 2013, the wines are among the vineyard's successes, particularly the voile wines, which are the estate's great specialty. The yellow wines (4.5 hectares in Château-Chalon) are aged in magnificent vaulted cellars.

Guide Hachette des vins

About the estate:

Established in 1985 by Jean Berthet-Bondet, former mayor of Château-Chalon and agricultural engineer, as is his wife. Cultivated according to organic farming principles, the 13 hectares of vineyards and vaulted cellars have been managed by their daughter Hélène since 2018.

Robert Parker - Wine Advocate

About wine:

2021 was a special year, with an almost non-existent harvest, resulting in a very low volume. The Côtes du Jura Tradition 2021 was produced with 60% Chardonnay and 40% Savagnin, much more Savagnin than in "normal" years, as Chardonnay suffers more from frost, which significantly alters the balance. The grape varieties were blended and aged together in barrels for three years. The nose is fragrant, spicy, and mushroomy, closer to sherry, and the palate is dry, chalky, and lively, due to the "liposuction" of the flor, which removes the fat from the wine. It shows good maturity, with 13% alcohol, and very good acidity. I also tasted a bottle from 2001, and the wine had a fantastic, spicy nose with notes of green walnuts and curry, and a fresh, balanced palate. If the 2021 follows the same path, I am being too harsh in my rating... Bravo!

RVF - La Revue du Vin de France / Guide des Meilleurs Vins de France

About wine:

Tradition 2021 (Chardonnay and Savagnin aged for two years in barrels without topping up) expresses itself very well today, not in terms of power but in flavor, with beautiful hints of green walnut and fresh flour, and great delicacy.

About the estate:

Chantal and Jean Berthet-Bondet, both agricultural engineers, left the city in 1985 to create this 11-hectare estate, located equally in the Château-Chalon and Côtes du Jura appellations, and certified organic since 2013. Jean's daughter Hélène is now at the helm. The quality is improving in terms of expression and purity of fruit. New vintages and labels for ouillé wines have been cleverly redefined, although the vintages aged under veil remain the undisputed stars of the estate, with a Château-Chalon that could serve as a model for the prestigious appellation.