Domaine l’Octavin Vin de France Foutre d’Escampette 2014

It seems that everyone is getting on the ‘pet nat’ (Pétillant Naturel – a style of rustic sparkling produced by bottling fermenting grape juice, with the trapped CO2 giving a light fizz) train of late, with really varied results.

A pleasure then that this Jura example tasted so good.

100% Chardonnay, produced from vineyards around the town of Arbois. Domaine l’Octavin’s vineyards are farmed biodynamically and no sulphur is used at any stage.

Importantly, this smells fresh. That hint of apple pie suggests oxidation but the freshness is the exact opposite, all grapey goodness. The palate picks up more honey and spice before fanning out into generosity of lemony, slightly more oxidative weightiness.

Overall this presents as both fresh and juicy (a dash of residual sugar is expected in pet nats) yet also with a tangy acid and weight to keep you hooked. Generous and delicate all at once.

A tasty intro to the style.

Details: 11.5%, $55
Tasted: March 2015, Tasting
Best drinking: As soon as possible
Score: 17.5/20, 91/100 (but high on the drinkability scale).
Would I buy it? The price is steep but the deliciousness is high. I’d drink a few glasses but not sure I’d buy some.
Buy online: The Oak Barrel, Living Wines