JEAN-FRANCOIS ESSLER, PREMIER PAS CHARDONNAY 2020

Jean-Francois farms just under 4 hectares of vines around Grusse in the south of the Jura. Formerly a graphic designer and wine merchant moved into winemaking, spending a few years working at Domaine Buronfosse before setting up his own estate, slowly finding some vines for himself. It is very early days in his journey, but he is already making remarkably accomplished, detailed and powerful wines. The Chardonnays tend to be given a long elevage and aged in burgundy barrels, the reds in tank and released a little younger. As is usual for growers in this region, quantities are limited. 

100% Chardonnay from vines on grey marl. The grapes were pressed direct and the wine was aged for 24 months in old Burgundy barrels. Has the slightly exotic fruit you associate with the region, but with lots of freshness and salinity. Drinking very well already, but as with many wines of the region, very much worth cellaring if you can be patient.