Jacquere 'La Côte', Domaine Vendange, Savoie

A dry aromatic wine with fresh fruit notes of apple and pineapple enveloped within a saline framework of minerality and wet stone.

Producer Note

Owners Diane and Benjamin began bottling their own wines in 2015, from vineyards that have been in the family for generations. Their 10-hectares of vines flourish on south facing slopes in Combe de Savoie, on the foothills of the Massif des Bauges. The estate is located on glacial moraines dating back 15,000 years, originating from the time when the valley was one large glacier. The vineyard is managed with great respect for tradition and terroir, using sustainable practices in order to gain the best and most authentic expression of the Savoie. The combination of rich soils and favourable climate, provide Domaine de Vendange with excellent conditions for their vine nursery. The production process has been mastered throughout the generations, and they sell a vast range of scions and rootstocks throughout France.

Vintage

The 2019 vintage was characterised by a very warm, dry summer which led to an earlier harvest than in previous years. The excellent conditions resulted in balanced fruit, with good maturity and concentration of colour and flavour in the wines.

Vineyard

The Domaine de Vendange estate extends over 10 hectares, planted on south facing slopes where the local Savoie grape varieties fully express their typicity. The 25-year old Jacquère vines yield 65 hectolitres per hectare. The soils are formed of glacial moraine; they are very young limestone soils made up of limestone scree, with layers of silty clay, which produce elegant, fresh wines. The vines are planted at 400 metres’ elevation, yet despite the altitude and mountainous location, the summers are surprisingly hot. This distinctive microclimate encourages the grapes to reach optimum maturity with concentrated juice, balanced by mountain-cool freshness. The vines are cultivated using integrated agriculture practices, maintaining the greatest respect for terroir and tradition. The focus is on green harvesting with pruning, de-budding, trellising and leaf stripping. All grapes are hand-harvested. In 2021, the domain moved into conversion to organic status.

Winemaking

The grapes were gently pressed at a low pressure to retain the quality and the must was cold settled overnight. The juice was fed by gravity into stainless steel tanks to retain the varietal characteristics and the nuances of the Savoie terroir. Temperatures were carefully maintained at 16°C during fermentation which took place with selected yeasts. The wine did not undergo malolactic conversion to preserve the fruit aromas and mineral characteristics of the wine. Vinified with a minimal intervention approach, the use of sulphites was judicious. The wine was aged in stainless steel tanks on its fine lees for eight months.

Tasting Note

Wonderful aromatic complexity is highlighted by fresh fruit notes of peach and lime with a delicate honeysuckle character. The light, lemony palate has distinctive minerality and a lovely refreshing finish.

Grape

Jacquère 100%