La Côte 39 | Marcel Cabelier

La Côte 39 by Marcel Cabelier

This white wine is produced by Marcel Cabelier, a négociant based in the Jura department of France. The appellation is Côtes du Jura, and it is a non-vintage wine. The name "39" refers to the number of the Jura department, reflecting the producer's local sourcing strategy from various growers within the region.

The wine is a blend of two primary grape varieties: Savagnin and Chardonnay. The winemaking process highlights distinct aging techniques for each component before they are blended at the end of the aging period. The Savagnin portion undergoes oxidative aging under a veil of yeast (sous voile) in barrels for three to four years. This method typically imparts complex nutty and saline characteristics while preserving freshness. In contrast, the Chardonnay is aged in barrel using the ouillé method, where the wine is topped up regularly to maintain fullness and prevent oxidation, thereby conserving its vivacity and fruit-driven profile. The final product is a dry white wine with an alcohol content of 13.5% vol.

As this is a blended creation, the sensory profile balances the distinctive oxidative notes derived from the aged Savagnin with the brighter, more direct acidity retained by the protected Chardonnay. The result is a structured yet vibrant wine that showcases the duality of Jura winemaking traditions—both oxidative and reductive styles harmonized in a single bottle.

La Côte 39 stands as a practical example of Marcel Cabelier’s approach, offering a snapshot of the Jura region through a blend that respects both traditional sous voile aging and modern fresh-style preservation. It serves as an accessible introduction to the complexity possible within the Côtes du Jura appellation, bridging the gap between oxidative depth and crisp fruitiness.