Caveau des Byards Crémant du Jura Blanc Brut, Jura, France NV

Caveau des Byards, nestled in the heart of the Jura region, crafts this elegant Crémant du Jura Blanc Brut exclusively from Chardonnay grapes. The meticulous production process ensures a sparkling wine of exceptional finesse and freshness.

• FARMING: Practices sustainable viticulture with manual harvesting to preserve grape integrity.
• VARIETY: 100% Chardonnay
• TERROIR: Vines are planted on south to southwest-facing slopes, benefiting from optimal sun exposure, which enhances grape ripening and flavor development.
• VINIFICATION: The winemaking process includes fractional pressing to obtain the finest juice, followed by a slow, low-temperature secondary fermentation to achieve delicate bubbles. The wine is then aged on laths for 12 to 18 months to develop its aromatic complexity.
• AGING: Aged on lees for 12 to 18 months to enhance aromatic development and impart richness.
• TASTING NOTES: This Crémant presents fine, persistent bubbles and a refreshing palate, making it an ideal choice for any occasion.
• FOOD PAIRINGS: Serve well-chilled as an aperitif, with desserts, or enjoy with friends at any time of the day

From our 2026 BOTTLE CULT Selection Notes:

The Jura region of eastern France, nestled between Burgundy and Switzerland, is a small, cool-climate region known for its oxidative style of winemaking. It has a reputation for producing wines with a certain funkiness, not unlike the sherries of Spain. The main grapes of Jura are Chardonnay (known locally as Melon d’Arbois, Melon à Queue Rouge, and Gamay Blanc), Savagnin (known locally as Naturé), Poulsard, Pinot Noir, and Trousseau. While rare, Jura wines are also recognized for their high quality and exceptional value.

Crémant du Jura is an Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée (AOC) for sparkling wines, established in 1995, permitting the production of both white and rosé sparkling wines. The rules dictate that white Crémants must be at least 70% Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Trousseau, with the remaining 30% left to the producer’s discretion. Rosé Crémants must be at least 50% Pinot Noir, Trousseau, or Poulsard. In addition, AOC standards mandate hand harvesting, transport in open-air crates to allow for oxidation of the grapes, and whole-cluster pressing.

Caveau des Byards, nestled in the heart of Jura, sustainably crafts this elegant Crémant du Jura Blanc Brut exclusively from underripe Chardonnay grapes (as is the M.O. of Crémants from Jura). Byards’ meticulous production process ensures a sparkling wine of exceptional finesse and freshness. Their vines are planted on south- to southwest-facing slopes to maximize sun exposure, enhancing ripening and flavor. Manual harvesting is followed by fractional pressing, secondary fermentation, and 12–18 months of aging.

This Crémant du Jura presents fine, persistent bubbles and a refreshing palate, making it an ideal choice for any occasion. Dry and crisp, with aromas of yellow fruit and white peach, and a mineral-driven and lean finish. Serve well-chilled as an apéritif with a lovely cheese spread. —Karen Smith, DECANTsf