Nicolas Jacob, "Les Argales" 2018

"80% Chardonnay and 20% Savagnin. Les Argales is a blend of Chardonnay from Jacob’s “Là-bas” vineyard and Savagnin from “Aux Perrières” in L’Etoile. Yields in 2018 were unusually high, but fermentation was difficult, so the two varietals were blended together. Fermentation eventually finished after adding the actively fermenting lees from the 2019 Savagnin, and Nicolas is pleased with the result (though not planning to repeat the process). “Argale” is a local term for a ne’er-do-well, someone who is good for nothing and constantly strays from the right path. It’s usually used endearingly, and has a comical implication. Nicolas thought the word aptly describes this wine, and it’s also a term that his friend’s father used to describe his band of buddies growing up. The vines were planted 1983. Hand harvested and settled for 12 hours. Spontaneous fermentation in 228 L barrels. No intervention until bottling. No additions of any kind including SO2. Aged for 12 months in used barrels."