Domaine Courbet 2022 Cotes du Jura Blanc "Tradition", Jura

The wines of Jura are little known  in the U.S., partly because it is an isolated hilly region east of Burgundy, and partly because its wines are, to put it mildly, idiosyncratic.  The famous (infamous?) regional specialty Vin Jaune tastes like its parents were old Chardonnay and dry sherry.  (Importer Michael Sullivan told me years ago I had to go there to fully appreciate it.  I did, and I do.) 

It is also the place for rich food, Bresse chicken in a Morel cream sauce is typical; Morbier and Comté cheeses are made nearby.  Drinking a Cotes du Jura wine with such foods is a must. 

Domaine Courbet’s “Tradition” bottling is a blend of 75% Chardonnay and 25% of the local grape Savagnin, an ancient variety and parent to Sauvignon Blanc.  This is a remarkably generous wine, especially for the money.  Full bodied with a rich mouthful of quality fruit, finishing with a typical ghost of oxidation which accents the wine rather than dominating it as some wines from the region do.  Aged a year in oak barrels before bottling, it is a fine wine to introduce you to Jura.  If only there were some Morels lying around.