Château des Charmes Old Vines Savagnin 2023

Savagnin is a rarely planted variety outside of France, and more accurately Jura, where it’s made in a Vin Jaune ‘yellow wine’ style. Only a few other wineries in Ontario are making a Savagnin, including Rosewood, Big Head, Burning Kiln (using CdC grapes) and Megalomaniac. As Boury explained, ‘Paul (Bosc Sr.) imported most varieties present in France, with a focus on hardy varietals. Savagnin grows in the toughest winters of Jura, it just made sense to try it in Canada as well.’…This Savagnin, planted in the home vineyard in 1993, is aged in neutral oak barrels for nine months…Such an interesting and complex nose of white peach, quince, melon, green apple, saline/stony minerality, pineapple, orange blossoms and subtle toasty spice notes. It has lovely texture and a dry, succulent entry on the palate with peachy/pear fruits, some herbaceous notes, tangy citrus, a touch of flint, and a bright, lifted finish. Highly unique and delicious! Score – 92. (Rick VanSickle, winesinniagara.com, Aug. 21, 2024)