# Les Varrons (2021)

- **Producer:** Domaine Labet
- **Colour:** white
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Chardonnay
- **Region:** Jura, France
- **Style:** Natural
- **Alcohol:** 13.0%
- **Average price:** €133
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 10–12 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** lemon, apple, pear, blossom, mint, forest floor, mushroom, almond

## About this wine

Domaine Labet's "Les Varrons" Chardonnay hails from the Rotalier area within France's Jura region, a single-vineyard expression from a family-run estate established in 1974. Under the guidance of Alain and now his son Julien, Domaine Labet has become a benchmark for modern Jura winemaking, deeply committed to ethical and respectful agriculture. They practice certified organic farming, avoiding chemical substances and using minimal sulfur. This wine is a testament to their focus on terroir-driven wines and their pioneering work in the "ouillé" (topped-up) style, which minimizes oxidation, resulting in fresh, energetic, and complex wines. "Les Varrons" is considered a rare, "cult" natural wine, highly sought-after by enthusiasts who appreciate its transparency and distinct regional character.

## Interesting facts

- Domaine Labet pioneered the 'ouillé' (topped-up) winemaking style in Jura, minimizing oxidation for fresher wines.
- Producer Julien Labet is known for his transparency, clearly labeling each bottle with grape, parcel, and acidity.
- Les Varrons is considered a 'cult' natural wine, highly sought-after and offered strictly by allocation.
- The Labet family estate has been a benchmark for modern Jura winemaking since its establishment in 1974.

## Food pairing

This Jura Chardonnay, with its high acidity and fresh, energetic profile, excels with dishes that can either complement its mineral and citrus notes or be cut through by its vibrant acidity. Rich, creamy textures are balanced by the wine's freshness, while earthy flavors like mushrooms find harmony with its potential for subtle savory undertones. Lighter proteins and cheeses, especially those from the Jura region like Comtê, create a synergistic regional pairing.

## Wine making process

The Chardonnay for Les Varrons is sourced from vineyards where certified organic farming is meticulously practiced. The domaine is renowned for its "ouillé" winemaking technique, where barrels are regularly topped up to prevent oxidation, preserving the wine's freshness and vibrant character. While specific vinification details for the Chardonnay are not fully outlined, the domaine generally employs spontaneous fermentation, reflecting their minimal intervention philosophy. Aging details for the Chardonnay are not specified, but the overall approach emphasizes expressing the unique terroir of the Jura region with purity and precision.