Rijckaert is a perfect example of new wave Jura - he still produces the racy and superfine qualities you seek, but grasps the region’s characteristic zest. He owns 4 hectares 50kms east of Burgundy in the Jura, but the wines are still being made in his cellars in Leynes in the Maconnais. His vines are in the northern part of the region around the villages of Arbois and Buvilly on limestone, marl and gravel soils and on the same latitude as Chassagne and Puligny.
He practices winemaking in the Burgundian style, hand picking, slow pressing and barrel fermentation. The 2006 Cotes du Jura is 100% Chardonnay that spends time in used French barrel. It is classic Jura style showing green apple notes, a solid core of minerality, a bit of citrus, and bright, crisp acidity on the finish. This all makes for the sound of a lean wine, but the chardonnay grape won't let up on its width and generous weight in addition to all this clean minerality. It's like eating a big meal, but not feeling it afterward.
Rijckaert Cotes du Jura $19 a bottle
