Arbois Pupillin Chardonnay Savagnin 1999 Pierre Overnoy

Arbois Pupillin Chardonnay & Savagnin 1999: The Jura’s Soul According to Pierre Overnoy

The Arbois Pupillin Chardonnay & Savagnin 1999 is one of the rarest and most age-worthy expressions from Pierre Overnoy, the legendary Jura winemaker and pioneer of natural wines. This unique blend merges the structure of Savagnin with the roundness of Chardonnay, resulting in a wine of profound aromatic complexity and remarkable evolution.

History and Philosophy

Pierre Overnoy has always championed a winemaking philosophy free of chemicals and added sulfites. The 1999 vintage is a shining example of his vision—an expressive white wine that ages gracefully and offers a captivating depth.

This wine is a testament to the Jura’s ability to produce long-lived whites that develop layers of character through time.

Vineyard and Terroir

The grapes come from Pupillin, near Arbois, where the soils are rich in grey marl and limestone. Farming is organic and biodynamic, with extremely low yields and great attention to detail.

Savagnin, native to the Jura, provides acidity and backbone, while Chardonnay adds weight and aromatic intensity.

Winemaking and Aging

Fermentation occurs with native yeasts in old oak barrels, without temperature control and with zero added sulfur.

A long aging period on fine lees encourages a slow, controlled oxidative evolution that enhances the wine’s minerality and complexity.

Tasting Notes

A white wine of tremendous personality, ideal for connoisseurs and lovers of age-worthy natural wines:

Color: Deep golden with amber highlights.
Nose: Roasted hazelnut, baked apple, sweet spices, orange peel, and hints of curry.
Palate: Rich and savory with great depth and a lingering, mineral-driven finish.

Grape Varieties

• Chardonnay

• Savagnin

Serving Temperature and Alcohol Content

Serving temperature: 12–14 °C
Alcohol content: Approx. 13% vol.

Food Pairings

A complex and gastronomic white wine, ideal with:

• Aged cheeses: 24-month Comté, Gruyère, Castelmagno

• Mushroom-based dishes: Risottos, tagliatelle with porcini

• Spiced cuisine: Thai or Indian curries

• Savory bakes: Vegetable pies, onion tarts, quiches

E-commerce Product Info – Arbois Pupillin Chardonnay & Savagnin 1999

Product: Arbois Pupillin Chardonnay & Savagnin 1999
Producer: Pierre Overnoy
Appellation: Arbois Pupillin AOC
Vintage: 1999
Format: 750 ml
Type: White wine
Grape varieties: Chardonnay and Savagnin
Alcohol content: Approx. 13% vol.
Serving temperature: 12–14 °C
Vinification: Native yeast fermentation in oak, long aging on lees, no added sulfites
Features: Natural wine, subtle oxidation, structured, age-worthy
Recommended pairings: Aged cheeses, mushrooms, spiced dishes, savory pies
Availability: Extremely limited

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Maison Pierre Overnoy: An Icon of Uniqueness and Tradition in Jura

Maison Pierre Overnoy is a winery that embodies the essence of natural and traditional winemaking in the Jura, a lesser-known French wine region that has gained increasing recognition for its unique wines. Founded by the legendary Pierre Overnoy, the winery is renowned for its meticulous attention to grape quality and an approach that avoids industrial practices in favor of methods that respect nature and the terroir.

History and Philosophy

The story of Maison Pierre Overnoy is deeply linked to Pierre Overnoy, who in 1970 decided to move to the heart of Jura to recover old vineyards and preserve local winemaking traditions. His philosophy has always been based on natural winemaking, avoiding the use of chemicals, using native yeasts, and allowing spontaneous fermentation. This attention to detail and rejection of modern techniques made Pierre Overnoy one of the pioneers of natural winemaking in France.

Today, the winery is run by Pierre’s son, Emmanuel Overnoy, who has continued his father’s legacy by maintaining traditional agricultural practices and a meticulous focus on terroir. The result is a range of wines that express the purity and complexity of Jura with a unique vision.

Vineyard and Terroir

The vineyards of Maison Pierre Overnoy are located in an area characterized by a continental climate, with hot summers and cold winters, and calcareous and clayey soils that help the growth of native varieties like Savagnin and Chardonnay. The Jura region has always maintained a strong connection to local agricultural traditions, and wines produced here are known for their freshness, minerality, and the distinctive character of the soil.

The vines are cultivated according to organic principles, without the use of pesticides or chemical fertilizers, and with management that respects the rhythms of nature. This rigorous approach has allowed the winery to produce wines that are an authentic expression of the terroir, without compromise.

Winemaking and Production Philosophy

Winemaking at Maison Pierre Overnoy is the result of years of experience and dedication to natural methods. Each bottle is the product of a process that aims to preserve the authenticity of the fruit and the character of the terroir. Grapes are harvested by hand, and in most cases, fermentation occurs in wooden barrels, without the addition of selected yeasts. Aging is also carried out in used wooden barrels, allowing the wine to evolve naturally without the influence of new oak flavors.

This practice of spontaneous fermentation and long aging makes the wines of the winery particularly interesting for natural wine lovers and those who appreciate traditional winemaking styles. Pierre Overnoy’s wines are often characterized by a strong minerality, lively acidity, and a complexity that develops with age.

The Wines of Maison Pierre Overnoy

The wines of Maison Pierre Overnoy are a celebration of the quality of Jura. Among the most famous is the Savagnin, a variety that, due to its unique character, has captured the attention of many wine enthusiasts. This wine stands out for its freshness, salinity, and a characteristic “oxidative note” that makes it incredibly distinctive. Another iconic wine from the winery is Chardonnay, which is more elegant and delicate but still retains that mineral note typical of Jura terroirs.

The winery also produces Vin Jaune, a wine strongly tied to Jura tradition, which is aged for many years in wooden barrels without a lid, creating a natural oxidation that gives the wine a unique and powerful character.

Conclusion

Maison Pierre Overnoy is a beacon in the world of natural winemaking. Its wines, though difficult to find due to their limited production, are considered among the best examples of natural winemaking in France. Each bottle tells a story of tradition, passion, and respect for the terroir. If you are fortunate enough to taste one of their wines, you will witness a unique experience that reflects an authentic approach to winemaking.