Arbois Pupillin Chardonnay 2009 Pierre Overnoy

Arbois Pupillin Chardonnay 2009: Jura’s White Elegance by Pierre Overnoy

The 2009 Arbois Pupillin Chardonnay from Maison Pierre Overnoy is a brilliant example of natural white wine that captures the soul of the Jura. From a warm and generous vintage, this wine expresses deep minerality, tension, and aging potential, shaped by the visionary hands of one of Jura’s most iconic producers.

History and Philosophy

Pierre Overnoy is a pioneer of natural winemaking in France. Since the 1970s, his approach has emphasized zero synthetic chemicals, no added sulfites, and a deep commitment to terroir expression.

The 2009 vintage reflects a perfect balance between maturity and freshness. It’s a wine of harmony, intensity, and a testament to natural craftsmanship.

Vineyard and Terroir

This Chardonnay comes from Pupillin, a subzone of the Arbois AOC known for its marl-rich and limestone soils. The vineyards are organically and biodynamically farmed, with a focus on biodiversity and soil health.

Cool breezes, elevated sites, and deep-rooted vines contribute to the wine’s elegance and unmistakable tension.

Winemaking and Aging

Fermentation takes place with indigenous yeasts in old French oak barrels, without temperature control. No sulfur is added at any stage.

The wine matures on fine lees for several months, gaining complexity and structure while retaining purity and precision.

Tasting Notes

An expressive and layered Jura white that balances texture and minerality:

Color: Deep golden yellow with light amber hues.
Nose: Aromas of candied citrus peel, dried apple, chamomile, toasted hazelnut, and subtle oxidative notes.
Palate: Vibrant and structured, with bright acidity, saline tension, and a long finish marked by spice, dried flowers, and crushed stones.

Grape Variety

100% Chardonnay

Serving Temperature and Alcohol

Serving temperature: 10–12°C
Alcohol: Approx. 13% vol.

Food Pairings

This white wine is ideal for complex, earthy or umami-rich dishes:

• Shellfish and seafood: Oysters, scallops, lobster with butter sauce.

• Mushroom dishes: Porcini risotto, truffle pasta.

• Aged cheeses: Comté, Mont d’Or, or aged goat cheese.

• French classics: Blanquette de veau, fish quenelles, vol-au-vent.

Product Details – Arbois Pupillin Chardonnay 2009

Wine: Arbois Pupillin Chardonnay 2009
Producer: Maison Pierre Overnoy
Region: Jura, France
Vintage: 2009
Bottle size: 750 ml
Type: White wine
Grape variety: 100% Chardonnay
Alcohol content: Approx. 13% vol.
Serving temperature: 10–12°C
Vinification: Wild fermentation in old barrels, extended aging on lees, no added sulfites
Characteristics: Natural white wine, structured and mineral, age-worthy
Recommended pairings: Seafood, mushroom risottos, aged cheese, French cuisine
Availability: Limited, numbered bottles

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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.