Seyve Villard Didier Grappe 2022

The Seyve-Villard from Jura producer Didier Grappe represents a sought-after interpretation of the Villard Blanc genetic hybrid characterized by pleasant slightly oxidative nuances. The Seyve-Villard grape family includes two varieties created in the first half of the 20th century by horticulturist Bertille Seyve along with his father-in-law Victor Villard. In 1968, Villard Blanc even ranked as the third most cultivated white grape in France, after Ugni Blanc and Chardonnay, thanks to its significant productivity and remarkable resistance to major vine diseases. In the following years, the vine underwent a drastic reduction in vineyard surface area, and in 1977, the AOC regulations excluded its use under the denomination, as part of a general discouragement of genetic hybrid cultivation, which at the time was attributed to the overproduction of wine in the country.

Didier Grappe Seyve-Villard is a 100% Villard Blanc from 20-30 year old vines grown under certified organic regime on clay and limestone-rich soils. After manual harvesting, the grapes are destemmed and gently pressed, with the resulting must undergoing spontaneous alcoholic fermentation in stainless steel tanks. Subsequently, the wine is aged for 6 months in partially topped-up wooden barrels under the veil of flor yeast and is finally bottled without filtration, clarification, and the addition of sulfites.

Didier Grappe's Seyve-Villard has a straw-yellow color with golden highlights. On the nose, notes of melon, lemon, and mint are accompanied by delicate oxidative hints and pleasant nuances of butter and salt. Creamy and round on the palate, with perfectly balanced components of intense freshness and salinity.