Les Follases 2023.png
Les Follases 2023.png

Michel Gahier, Arbois, Les Follasses Chardonnay, 2023

£56.00

Les Follasses is Michel’s most immediate Chardonnay, easily approachable in its youth. It also ages exceptionally well—the 1992 version we tasted recently at the estate showed very little sign of age. A vibrant, ultra-fresh, saline wine made in the Ouillé style, yet with subtle nutty notes at its core that draw you in. High in demand. Hurry.

Les Follasses is Michel’s most immediate Chardonnay, easily approachable in its youth. It also ages exceptionally well—the 1992 version we tasted recently at the estate showed very little sign of age. A vibrant, ultra-fresh, saline wine made in the Ouillé style, yet with subtle nutty notes at its core that draw you in. High in demand. Hurry.

Michel is the first generation to solely focus on viticulture and bottling wines, taking over in 1990. Now cultivating around 8ha planted with Chardonnay, Melon a queue Rouge, Trousseau and a little Savagnin from which he makes only a limited quantity of vin Jaune. The cellar is filled with large old foudres and looks as if time stood still. All his wines are plot specific. You may be a Jura aficionado and have never encountered Michel’s wine, this is quite possible. For sure they will leave a lasting impact on you once you do

Grape Variety: Chardonnay Age of Vines: 45 years old Terroir: White Marls (decomposed limestone mixed with clay) Vineyard/Plot Name: Les Follasses Exposition: 2 blocks, East to West, North to South Altitude: 290m Vinification: Direct Press, native yeasts, fermentation in demi muids with no additions of sulphur. Ageing: Ouille style, barrels topped up during maturation lasting 12 to 18 months