Tradition 2020 – Domaine Courbet

Overview

The Tradition 2020 from Domaine Courbet is a white wine from Jura that embodies the authentic soul of this extraordinary region. It is crafted from a unique blend of 80% Chardonnay and 20% Savagnin, two grape varieties that, while very different, come together in perfect harmony, creating a wine that combines richness, complexity, and freshness. The production philosophy remains faithful to the Courbet family’s spirit: respect for the land, natural winemaking, and an artisanal approach that enhances the characteristics of the terroir. As part of the Côtes du Jura AOC, this cuvée expresses the best of local winemaking tradition, becoming a true benchmark for those seeking identity-driven and age-worthy wines.

Vineyard philosophy

The vineyards used for Tradition 2020 cover around 2 hectares in the heart of the Jura, a land characterized by clay soils with a significant presence of limestone. The vines are cultivated according to organic and natural methods, avoiding synthetic chemicals and preserving biodiversity and soil vitality. The average vine age ensures grapes of great concentration and aromatic finesse, thanks to deep roots that draw nutrients from the mineral-rich soils. Harvesting is always carried out by hand, with careful selection of the best clusters directly in the vineyard to guarantee fruit of the highest quality.

Winemaking approach

In the cellar, each grape variety is vinified separately with precision and care. The Chardonnay undergoes gentle whole-cluster pressing and ferments in used barrels, gaining elegance and complexity without being dominated by oak. The Savagnin, on the other hand, ferments in stainless steel, retaining its tension and mineral freshness. The blending of the two components only takes place just before bottling, preserving the individuality of each grape throughout the aging process until their union, which gives life to a wine with a singular and unmistakable character.

Aging

Aging plays a fundamental role in shaping the complexity of Tradition 2020. The Chardonnay spends 18–24 months in used barrels, developing body, structure, and delicate notes of dried fruit and sweet spices. The Savagnin, after an initial 10 months in stainless steel, matures for about 15 months in oak barrels under a veil of flor, without “ouillage” (topping up). This traditional Jura technique encourages the growth of yeast on the wine’s surface, protecting it from oxidation and imparting distinctive aromas and flavors, resulting in a wine poised between freshness and depth.

Tasting notes

Color: bright golden yellow, reflecting concentration and maturity.
Nose: opens with ripe fruit, quince, and candied citrus, followed by almond, hazelnut, and subtle sweet spices. Hints of minerality and elegant oxidative nuances typical of Savagnin emerge.
Palate: harmonious and balanced, with Chardonnay’s roundness meeting Savagnin’s vibrant sapidity. Long, deep, and persistent, it leaves a mineral and complex finish that lingers.

Food pairings

Tradition 2020 is highly versatile at the table. It pairs beautifully with lake and sea fish, shellfish, and crustaceans, as well as more elaborate dishes like noble poultry, white meats in sauce, and Jura specialties such as aged Comté cheese. Thanks to its structure and depth, it is also an excellent meditation wine to enjoy on its own.

Technical sheet

• Region: Jura

• Grapes: 80% Chardonnay, 20% Savagnin

• Appellation: Côtes du Jura AOC

• Vineyard size: 2 ha

• Soil: clay with limestone presence

• Viticulture: organic, natural

• Harvest: manual

• Winemaking: whole-cluster pressing, fermentation in used barrels (Chardonnay) and stainless steel (Savagnin); blending before bottling

• Aging: 18–24 months in used barrels (Chardonnay); 10 months in stainless steel then 15 months in oak under flor (Savagnin)

• Fining: –

• Filtration: no

• SO2 added: no

• Production: 4,300 bottles

• Alcohol: 13% vol.

• Serving temperature: 12–14 °C

Domaine Courbet – Jura

History and Tradition

Founded in 1869, Domaine Courbet is one of the most authentic wine estates in the Jura. Today the domaine is managed by Jean-Marie and Damien, heirs of a long family tradition that combines respect for the land with a modern vision. The winery is located in Nevy-sur-Seille, in the heart of the Baume-les-Messieurs valley, an area renowned not only for its breathtaking landscapes but also for its viticultural heritage. In the early days, the family also raised livestock and cultivated cereals. Over time, they decided to dedicate all their efforts to viticulture, transforming the estate into a winery focused exclusively on wine production.

The Vineyard

Domaine Courbet owns 7.6 hectares of vineyards, facing south/southwest, divided between the prestigious Château-Chalon and Côtes du Jura appellations (in the communes of Domblans and Menétru-le-Vignoble). The Savagnin (4 ha) is grown on soils rich in blue, grey and red marl, giving the wines complexity, freshness and strong ageing potential. Chardonnay (3.05 ha) thrives on clay-limestone soils, ideal for producing elegant, mineral-driven wines. The red varieties, Trousseau (0.8 ha) and Poulsard (0.15 ha), are cultivated on soils with marl and calcareous gravel deposits, which provide finesse and a distinctive Jura aromatic profile.

Winemaking Philosophy

Since 2004, part of the vineyards has been converted to biodynamics (not certified), a process completed in 2015. With the 2016 vintage, Domaine Courbet wines obtained official organic certification, the culmination of a decade-long commitment to sustainability. Vineyard work is meticulous, with low yields and careful attention to soil vitality. In the cellar, the approach is natural and respectful, with spontaneous fermentations and minimal intervention to preserve both terroir expression and varietal typicity.

The Identity of Domaine Courbet

Today, Domaine Courbet is a true reference in the Jura for those who seek authenticity, elegance and respect for nature. Each bottle tells the story of the soils, the vines, and a family that for over 150 years has cultivated wine with passion and dedication.