2024, Domaine du Pélican, ARBOIS Savagnin Ouillé, 'Grand Curoulet'
Grand Curoulet is considered one of the very best terroirs of Arbois. A north-facing parcel located on the side of a hill that dominates Arbois and the Saône plain. Grand Curoulet is known to be where the first vines of Arbois were planted. The recently replanted Chardonnay vines are located at the top of the parcel. Grey marl soils are particularly important in shaping the character of this wine. The grapes are lightly crushed before being pressed to ease juice extraction, and fermentation is in foudres and barrels. Ageing is in 500-litre barrels with no new oak. Similar to the Savaging Ouillé, but with more terroir precision. The nose will be a little more complex with some reductiveness at first, with little notes of sauvage alongside the zesty lemon, green apples & florality. Mid-palate expect a succulent roundness, with definite limestone aspects and salty minerality.