2022 Maison Pierre Overnoy Chardonnay de Macération (Cire Grise) Arbois-Pupillin 750ml

The 2022 Maison Pierre Overnoy Chardonnay de Macération 750ml is a legendary unicorn of the Jura. Furthermore, visionary vigneron Emmanuel Houillon continues Pierre Overnoy’s legacy of uncompromising, zero-sulfur natural winemaking. Consequently, this exceedingly rare skin-contact allocation commands mythical status and fervent global pursuit among elite wine collectors. Every single bottle offers a breathtaking, complex vision of pure, site-expressive Arbois-Pupillin terroir.

Additionally, the radiant 2022 harvest delivered Chardonnay of remarkable phenolic concentration, golden texture, and vibrant energy. Meanwhile, Houillon’s mastery of extended skin maceration built profound savory depth and gripping textural architecture. Therefore, this singular orange wine stands as an essential centerpiece for discerning natural wine connoisseurs.

Terroir & Viticulture

The fruit originates exclusively from historical old-vine Chardonnay parcels situated on the steep slopes of Pupillin. Specifically, these prized hillsides feature dense blue and red marl layered over hard limestone bedrock. The ancient vines dig deep root systems into fractured bedrock fissures to absorb subterranean minerals. As a result, the fruit achieves complete physiological ripeness alongside vibrant natural tartaric acidity.

Meanwhile, Emmanuel Houillon manages the vines with strict organic disciplines and painstaking manual labor. He avoids all synthetic chemical treatments to foster living, microbiological biodiversity throughout the vineyard rows. Furthermore, severe winter pruning and natural millerandage restrict yields to minuscule levels across every row. Thus, each grape cluster captures the authentic, stony identity of this celebrated terroir.

Vinification & Craftsmanship

In the cellar, Houillon champions an uncompromising approach to natural, skin-contact vinification. First, workers harvest the pristine Chardonnay grapes entirely by hand with rigorous table sorting at dawn. Subsequently, the uncrushed whole clusters undergo spontaneous fermentation and extended maceration with native yeasts. Crucially, Houillon vinifies completely without added sulfur dioxide to safeguard sheer aromatic transparency.

Moreover, the wine matures on its skins and fine lees for months in seasoned French oak barrels. The extended maceration imparts a striking golden-orange hue alongside dense, grippy phenolic structure. Furthermore, the cellar relies strictly on gravity, avoiding mechanical pumping and aggressive filtration. Finally, Houillon hand-bottles each vessel without fining or added sulfites, sealing it with grey wax.

Tasting Notes

In the glass, the Cire Grise Chardonnay displays a luminous amber-gold robe with shimmering bronze reflections. Immediately, the nose opens with soaring aromas of dried apricot, candied orange peel, and wild honey. In addition, exotic undertones of roasted hazelnut, dried chamomile, white tea, and crushed chalk unfold.

On the palate, the wine showcases spectacular volume, grippy phenolic texture, and energetic drive. However, an incisive spine of limestone freshness frames the concentrated golden fruit core with precision. Consequently, the finish lingers for minutes with echoes of blood orange, graphite, and savory salinity. Ultimately, it leaves an unforgettable impression of effortless nobility and profound savory power.

Technical Specifications

• Producer: Maison Pierre Overnoy (Emmanuel Houillon)
• Winemaker: Emmanuel Houillon
• Appellation: Arbois-Pupillin AOC (Jura, France)
• Cuvée: Chardonnay de Macération (Cire Grise / Grey Wax)
• Varietal: 100% Chardonnay
• Farming: Certified Organic Principles (Manual Vineyard Care)
• Vinification: Extended Skin Maceration, Native Yeasts, Zero Added SO2
• Oak Program: Matured in Seasoned French Oak Barrels
• Clarification: Unfined & Unfiltered
• Vintage: 2022
• Volume: 750ml

Service & Cellar Potential

Serve this expressive skin-contact wine between 12°C and 14°C (54°F–57°F) in large Burgundy stemware. Specifically, uncork the bottle 60 minutes prior to service to let the intricate perfume awaken. Therefore, gentle aeration allows the delicate floral, tea, and spice layers to expand completely.

Pair this wine with aged Comté cheese, roasted sweetbreads with morels, or rich poultry dishes. Furthermore, its formidable phenolic structure and bright acidity ensure superb endurance. As a result, collectors can enjoy this bottle today or cellar it safely through 2038+.