Domaine Overnoy 2018 Pinot Noir Côtes du Jura

750ml bottle

12.5% abv

Bright cherry, spice, and sous bois complexity. The palate shines crystal bright, clean, and pure with crisp, bright red fruit and spice at the core and the Jura's fresh acidity driving the finish. A superb Jura Pinot with brightness and elegance.

Located in the hills of the Jura, Domaine Guillaume Overnoy carries the name of his father's famous uncle, Pierre, where Guillaume learned to make wine. The estate is farmed organically, with no additives in the vineyards.

Guillaume is leading his family estate with energy, vision, and expertise, all the while respecting the traditional wine-making practices of the Côtes du Jura appellation. Whilst still in his twenties, he is already an experienced winemaker thanks to the guidance of his father, Jean-Louis. The estate, located in the town of Orbagna, obtained organic certification in 2016 and consists of 5.5 hectares of vineyards, planted with five classic varieties: Chardonnay, Savagnin, Pinot Noir, Poulsard and Trousseau. From his plantings of Savagnin, Guillaume makes a Vin Jaune, an oxidative style of white wine, which combines power, complexity, and extraordinary length. He is now also brewing his own beer under the name Bières Overnoy. Production is limited due to challenging climatic conditions in the region, including regular spells of frost and hail.

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Overnoy is a name you’re likely to know if you’ve heard anything about the Jura. This estate was formerly owned by Guillaume’s father after he took over a family farm in 1980. The polyculture farm was quickly turned into a vineyard with the purchase of several parcels.

Guillaume Overnoy decided to return to the family estate in 2013, where he took it upon himself to convert the six hectares of land to organics. Chardonnay and Savagnin are grown to make white wine, and Trousseau, Pinot Noir, and Poulsard for the reds, all of which enjoy variety of terroirs. Guillaume also makes single-parcel cuvées. In terms of vinification, this vintner excels, using only a tiny dose of sulphur, setting off fermentation with native yeasts, and maturing the wine at length in casks. The resulting cuvée are sought for their purity, fruitiness, and tautness. One thing is sure, this wine maker has talent to spare and he’s a rising star to be watched very closely.

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The first thing you notice is the name, Overnoy. This one is not to be confused with the legendary estate in Pupillin although Guillame's Grandfather was a brother to Pierre Overnoy and their Poulsard is propagated from cuttings from Arbois-Pupillin. This estate is located in Orbagna, in the south of the Jura in the region of Sud Revermont. Guillaume came back to the family estate in 2013 and has been working full time since then. In 2014 he began conversion of the estate of 5.5 hectares to organic cultivation. They have all five Jura varieties planted and specialize in Trousseau which does particularly well in their area. The vines are grown mostly in Orbagna but they also have a single hectare further north in Cesancey. All vines are hand tended and farmed organically, always have been. Vinification is sensitive, observational, and skilful - generations of experience come in very handy.