Domaine Cartaux Bougaud - Cuvée du Paradis L'Etoile 2022
The Domaine Cartaux Bougaud is located in the heart of the Jura vineyard, between the L’Étoile appellation and the slopes of Côtes du Jura, within a firmly rooted family tradition. Historically linked to the Château de Quintigny, the estate cultivates about twenty hectares, exclusively worked and vinified by the family, in the spirit of an independent winemaker. The limestone and marl soils, typical of the Jura, give the wines a pronounced mineral structure and a unique freshness despite the continental climate. Both in the cellar and in the vineyard, the philosophy is based on respect for local grape varieties, particularly Chardonnay and Savagnin, which define the great white wines of Jura. The aging is carried out in the pure local tradition, with oak barrels that accompany the wines without overpowering them. The Cuvée du Paradis L’Étoile 2022 is one of the most emblematic expressions of this identity, born from a privileged lieu-dit and a know-how patiently refined over generations.
Cuvée du Paradis L’Étoile 2022 is a white wine AOC L’Étoile from a plot located in Quintigny, at the place called En Paradis, where Chardonnay and Savagnin are planted together in co-plantation. Unlike a classic blend made from already finished wines, the two grape varieties are harvested at the same time, pressed, and vinified together, which promotes an intimate marriage from the fermentation stage. The majority Chardonnay brings freshness, roundness, and fruity aromas, while the Savagnin offers power, complexity, and its unmistakable Jura signature. The fermentation and aging take place in oak barrels in the Jura tradition, allowing the wine to gain depth, texture, and aromatic complexity. The 2022 vintage, balanced and well-ripened, highlights the natural richness of the cuvée while preserving a beautiful tension. With a moderate alcohol level and a potential aging of six to eight years, this Cuvée du Paradis 2022 positions itself as a great gastronomic white wine, capable of evolving towards even more complex nuances over time.
On tasting, the Cuvée du Paradis L’Étoile 2022 displays a bright golden yellow robe, clear and shiny, immediately evoking a wine of character. The nose is round and powerful, unfolding aromas of fresh walnuts, hazelnuts, fresh butter, and undergrowth, complemented by hints of almond and a touch of spices reminiscent of curry, typical of this Jura style aged in barrels. On the palate, the attack is fine and ample, with a remarkable balance between roundness and tension, supported by a caressing texture. Notes of toasted hazelnut, fresh butter, and mild spices continue in a generous mid-palate, without heaviness, where the freshness of Chardonnay tempers the aromatic power of Savagnin. The finish is long, persistent, saline, with a return to dried fruits and slightly spicy notes that invite another sip. At the table, this cuvée pairs perfectly with creamy white meats, morel chicken, veal blanquette, cardoon gratin, or fish in sauce. It also wonderfully accompanies Jura cheeses, aged Comté, Morbier, as well as pressed cheeses and mushroom preparations that ideally dialogue with its aromas of nuts and undergrowth.
Grape varieties: 80% Chardonnay, 20% Savagnin
