Domaine Jean Macle - Côtes du Jura Tradition Savagnin Chardonnay 2018

The 2018 “Traditional” from the Côtes du Jura was made from 80% Chardonnay and 20% Savagnin, both of which were covered by a flor. The two grape varieties were fermented and aged separately in barrels before being blended at the end of the aging process. I tasted this wine last year, and since then, it has gained in balance and elegance; it now seems more refined and subtle, with a round, silky mouthfeel.

The 2018 Côtes-du-Jura, in which 20% Savagnin adds complexity to the Chardonnay, exhibits slightly greater tension. It is an exemplary wine, whose aromas of fresh leather and green walnut come through very naturally.

A leading figure in the Jura wine region, Jean Macle passed away this winter. Tasting a Château-Chalon from the estate that bears his name is, now more than ever, a particularly intense experience. A true “yellow” wine—straightforward, crisp, harmonious, and easy to drink—whose complexity stems not only from aging under a yeast veil. Now in the hands of Laurent Macle, this estate maintains such consistency and identity across vintages that it commands universal respect. Founded in 1850, it owns some of the steepest terroirs in the appellation, with slopes reaching up to 50 percent. The decision to plant vines on land where, at one time, no one dared to venture underscores the determination and passion of this winemaking family, which has become an integral part of the Château-Chalon vineyard.