Arbois Tradition Cuvée St Antoine 2022 Domaine Sylvain Faudot

The Arbois Tradition Cuvée Saint-Antoine 2022 from Domaine Sylvain Faudot is the most approachable white cuvée from this Montigny-lès-Arsures grower, poised between modern topped-up winemaking and Jura's oxidative tradition. A Savagnin and Chardonnay blend, partly aged under voile, that expresses with both seduction and precision all that the Jura hillside offers at its most complete and balanced: richness, freshness, complexity and typicity in a register that speaks equally to Jura initiates and curious newcomers discovering the region.

Terroir and winemaking

The Cuvée Saint-Antoine is a blend of Savagnin and Chardonnay from the domain's argillaceous-calcareous and marly parcels in Montigny-lès-Arsures and Saint-Cyr-Montmalin. These blue and grey marl soils from the Triassic and Liassic periods, characteristic of the Jura hillside, give both grape varieties remarkable mineral richness, natural tension and freshness. The stylistic originality of this cuvée lies in its dual approach: the Savagnin is vinified traditionally in 228-litre oak casks under partial voile, bringing oxidative complexity, walnut notes and the richness typical of Jura style, while the Chardonnay is made in a fresher, topped-up style to contribute floral vibrancy, fruit and lightness that balance the Savagnin's power. The final blend produces a white of great harmony, both characterful and accessible, powerful and fresh. Fermented with wild yeasts, aged in oak, bottled with minimal added sulphur.

Tasting profile

The colour is pale gold with green and golden reflections, bright and luminous. The nose opens generously and with complexity: fresh walnuts, white flowers, apple and a touch of acacia honey emerge naturally, accompanied by aromas of citrus, pastry and soft spices from the Savagnin's partial voile aging. The whole is open and seductive, with a complexity and depth that far exceed expectations for a village-level blend. On the palate, the texture is full and round, lacking nothing because it is supported by well-present acidity that brings tension and length. The aromatic palette unfolds progressively: tree nuts, citrus, flowers and spices succeed one another in natural harmony and coherence. The finish is long, tensioned and slightly candied, with persistence and typicity that confirm the quality of these blue marl soils, vinified with precision and honesty.

The domaine

Sylvain Faudot is a passionate vigneron based in Montigny-lès-Arsures in the Jura, a village historically known as the cradle of Vin Jaune. After studies in oenology and various viticultural experiences, he took over the family vineyard in 2003 and patiently built a 6-hectare domaine managed in organic agriculture. His range reflects the full diversity and singularity of the Jura vineyard: Vin Jaune, Vin de Paille, traditional Savagnin under voile, topped-up Savagnin, Chardonnay, Trousseau and Ploussard, each cuvée vinified separately with precision and respect for the individual parcels.

Food pairing

This Cuvée Saint-Antoine pairs beautifully with mushroom and cream tart, onion and Comté tart, poultry in Savagnin cream sauce, sautéed morels with butter, 18-month aged Comté or aged Jura goat cheese. It is equally remarkable with fish in creamy sauce, white asparagus with hollandaise, or lightly chilled semi-cooked foie gras. Served between 12 and 14°C with 20 minutes of decanting recommended, it will reveal the full natural richness, oxidative complexity and mineral freshness of a traditional Jura white from one of the vineyard's most sincere and precise artisans.