Unbottled – Montbourgeau Cuvée En Banode

During our recent Blanc de Blancs tasting, we tried the Montbourgeau Les Hauts de Montangis Chardonnay. Yet, I also had a bottle of classic Jura wine style open. Not only is the Cuvée En Banode aged under Flor yeast, it also comes from a mixed lot.

The Cuvée En Banode from Montbourgeau caught my eye because it not only comes from a renown and yet still available producer, but the chardonnay and Savagnin grapes are co-planted, too. The Savagnin grows on marl and the chardonnay on limestone rich soils and the vineyard has a combination of both. Everything is harvested together, spontaneous fermented and aged for two years in large, used oak casks without topping up the barrels.

The longest aftertaste

At first, the En Banode reminded me of Oloroso sherry in the aroma. There is a pronounced nuttiness which I associate with a high quality Spanish fortified wine and which reminds me of walnuts. Beneath all of that there still is a noticeable acidity and freshness with green apples and citrus. Towards the aftertaste a salinity develops which does not go away for minutes! This must be the longest aftertaste I ever had when drinking wine.