Domaine Labet Uncorked Vol. 1
The tasting includes one crémant, five distinct white wines, and one red wine, marking just the beginning of our exploration through Labet's vineyards.
By Boris
Jura may not be the most visited wine destination on our itinerary, yet its unique beauty and character draw us back time and again. Unfortunately, the selection of Jura wines in Kyiv is limited, prompting us to source bottles directly from Europe. This was the case with the exceptional wines we're exploring tonight.
Nestled in Sud-Revermont, Rotalier distinguishes itself within the Jura landscape for its pioneering approach to winemaking. More famed for its Chardonnay than Savagnin, Domaine Labet, a modest family-run winery, has made significant strides in defining the subtleties of local terroir. Alain Labet's innovative 'vins ouillés' (topped-up wines) from the late 1970s preserved the distinct nuances of individual plots by avoiding the traditional oxidative ageing process. This move not only won international acclaim but also inspired a new generation of winemakers in Rotalier, transforming it into a vibrant hub for emerging talent.
The estate, now collaboratively managed by Alain's children---Julien, Charline, and Romain---spans 13 hectares with one-third of the vines older than 60 years. Each sibling brings their expertise to the domain: Julien infuses the winemaking with techniques gleaned from his experiences at prestigious vineyards abroad, Charline manages the cellar with a keen focus on maintaining the integrity of their wines, and Romain takes charge of the vineyard operations, ensuring each vine is tended with respect and care.
Their commitment to organic practices has deepened over the years. The vineyards are gradually gaining Ecocert organic certification, reflecting a shift towards more sustainable and respectful farming methods initiated by their father and now passionately pursued by the siblings. The family uses indigenous yeasts and minimal chemical intervention, a testament to their dedication to natural winemaking.
The vinification at Labet features two distinct styles. Most whites, such as those in the Fleurs line, are topped up to prevent oxidation and capture the purest expression of the vine and terroir. These wines are fermented slowly at low temperatures and aged on fine lees in barrels of varying ages. The traditional or oxidized style (vin de voile) allows the formation of a yeast veil (voile) that imparts unique flavours like curry, hazelnut, and walnut to the wines.
The reds vary with the vintage; the grapes are either fully or partially de-stemmed and aged in barrels or ancient foudres, all while maintaining the natural integrity of the wine through minimal filtration and sulfur addition.
Our tasting today includes one crémant, five distinct white wines, and one red wine, marking just the beginning of our exploration through Labet's vineyards.
| Wine | WAVG | SD | Price | QPR | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Pinot2022 Buronfosse | #10 | 3.95 | 0.12 | – | 1,350 ₴ | 0.80 |
 crémant du jura2020 Domaine Labet | #9 | 4.10 | 0.12 | 4 | 3,187 ₴ | 0.89 |
 métis2020 Domaine Labet | #8 | 4.12 | 0.10 | – | 3,040 ₴ | 0.76 |
 fleur chardonnay2020 Domaine Labet | #5 | 4.22 | 0.26 | 3,492 ₴ | 0.87 | |
 Domaine Labet | #6 | 4.22 | 0.19 | 4,274 ₴ | 0.78 | |
 Domaine Labet | #4 | 4.22 | 0.18 | – | 4,485 ₴ | 0.77 |
 Domaine Labet | 🥈 | 4.30 | 0.21 | 4,485 ₴ | 0.91 | |
 Domaine Labet | 🥉 | 4.28 | 0.15 | 5,325 ₴ | 0.79 | |
 Domaine Des Marnes Blanches | #7 | 4.14 | 0.15 | – | 1,600 ₴ | 1.08 |
 Domaine Labet | 🥇 | 4.30 | 0.22 | – | 2,855 ₴ | 1.14 |
Buronfosse Pinot 2022
Domaine Labet crémant du jura 2020
Domaine Labet métis 2020
Domaine Labet fleur chardonnay 2020
Domaine Labet fleur de savagnin en chalasse 2020
Domaine Labet chardonnay macération 2020
Domaine Labet savagnin macération 2020
Domaine Labet chardonnay - savagnin vin de voile 2019
Domaine Des Marnes Blanches Savagnin Les Molates 2022
Domaine Labet Le Champs Rouges Chardonnay 2018
Resources
- Domaine Labet. Wine Natur.
- Domaine Labet. Vine Trail.
- Domain Labet. Charles Neal Selections.
- Atlas Entry: Jura. The Children's Atlas of Wine.