2018 Arbois Savagnin Ouille

The 2018 Arbois Savagnin Ouillé has varietal character of ripe Savagnin, balanced and expressive, with some spicy and smoky notes reminiscent of oak aging. It feels quite ripe and warm at 14.5% alcohol, and it has a chalky feeling to it. The nose shows more nuanced than the palate, where the wine feels a tad heavy with a relatively short finish.

Savagnin ouillé is the topped-up version of Savagnin, sometimes labelled Fleur de Savagnin or referred to by the variety’s synonym Traminer . They have been producing this style since their first vintage in 2012. This cuvée is made from many different parcels located in Arbois and Montigny-lès-Arsures. The soils are very diverse: multi-coloured Triassic marls; fallen rocks (calcareous scree) of Bajocian limestone over grey marl; and Liassic marly limestone. The grapes are lightly crushed before pressing, and fermentation is in foudres and barrels. One-third of the crop macerates with the skins for one night before being pressed. Aged in 500-litre barrels with 2% new oak for just over half of the crop. The balance is in foudre and vats. This has notable intensity to the aroma, a display of varietal Savagnin character: green fruit, ripe creamy green apple. Intense, deep, powerful but so elegant, a touch spicy. Intense with herbal freshness. Fabulous depth, energy and persistence. (JH)