Tasting Notes
Les Argales is a blend of Chardonnay from Jacob's "Là-bas" vineyard and Savagnin from "Aux Perrières" near L'Etoile. As happens sometimes, the two varieties were blended together. Fermentation eventually finished after adding the actively fermenting lees from the prior vintage of Savagnin, and Nicolas is pleased with the result. "Argale" is a local term for a ne'er-do-well, someone who is good for nothing and constantly strays from the right path. It's usually used endearingly, and has a comical implication. Nicolas thought the word aptly describes this wine, and it's also a term that his friend's father used to describe his band of buddies growing up. - Importer Note
Nicolas Jacob has been crafting wines under his own name since 2016, following years of experience working alongside Jean-François Ganevat. Based in the southern Jura, his production remains extremely limited, aligning with the practices of the region's most sought-after growers. Jacob’s approach is grounded in low-intervention winemaking, with no additions—including sulphur—at any stage.
His white wines undergo 12 hours of settling after manual harvest, followed by spontaneous fermentation in 228L barrels. They are then aged for 18 to 24 months in demi-muids, with topped-up (‘ouillé’) élevage to prevent oxidation and preserve purity.
For reds, grapes are hand-harvested and fully destemmed. Fermentation is spontaneous in fibreglass tanks, and the wines are matured for nine months in used barrels. The resulting wines are known for their delicacy, aromatic clarity, and refined structure—particularly the reds, which showcase an especially seductive and expressive character within the southern Jura context. - Aaron C
| Product Type | Wine White Chardonnay |
| Volume | 750ml |
| Country | France |
| Region | Jura |
| Sub Region | Cotes du Jura |
| Winemaking Practices | Natural |
| Vineyard Practices | Organic/Biodynamic |