Bottes Rouges 2022 'Léon' Chardonnay

Jean-Baptiste Menigoz, a former school teacher, started his domaine with 2.4ha of vines in Abergement-le-Petit, west of Arbois, in 2012. Focusing on the classic varietals of the Jura, he makes honest, natural wines in the traditional ways of the region. His Chardonnay is fermented and aged in neutral 600L demi-muid. The 2022 Léon comes from a parcel planted in 1979 and is named after Jean-Baptiste's Grandfather. It is expressive and textural, with a strong mineral component underneath perfectly ripened orchard fruit. There's great interplay between the brisk acidity and mineral depth, a wine that could age another ten years easily but is still supremely enjoyable now.