Domaine du Pelican Arbois Chardonnay, Jura, France

2018 Domaine du Pélican Arbois Chardonnay, Jura, France, captures the soul of its Jura terroir in a stunningly vibrant and elegant expression of Chardonnay. Sourced from the renowned En Barbi parcel, an amphitheater-sheltered, south-facing vineyard at 390 meters elevation, this biodynamically farmed wine showcases the precision and vitality that have made Domaine du Pélican one of the region’s most celebrated producers. With its dynamic tension between ripeness and minerality, the 2018 vintage stands as a masterclass in balance, energy, and site-driven complexity.

Product Details:

• Owner: Guillaume d’Angerville 
• Vineyard: En Barbi (single vineyard)
• Grape Variety: Chardonnay
• ABV: 12.5%
• Farming: Certified Organic & Biodynamic
• Aging: 30% in 350–500L barrels (5% new), 30% in foudre, 20% in vat
• Cellaring Potential: Drink now to 2028
• Closure: Natural cork

Sensory Description:

In the glass, this wine offers a shimmering gold hue with green highlights. The nose opens with aromas of ripe pear, apple, citrus zest, and white blossoms, wrapped in a subtle toast and hazelnut character. On the palate, it is medium-bodied and dry with a vibrant acid spine and soft, integrated tannins. Notes of lemon oil, chamomile, and crushed stone unfold, followed by white peach, almond, and a saline edge that delivers a Chablisien clarity. The finish is long, mineral-driven, and lifted by a delicate floral and spicy nuance.

Awards & Accolades:

• 95 points – Antonio Galloni, Vinous: "Marked by a brilliant aromatic upper register… sculpted, ample and dazzling."
• 90 points – Luis Gutiérrez, Wine Advocate: "Lemony with citrus and dry herbs… integrated acidity and Mediterranean flair."

Winemaker's Background:

Domaine du Pélican was founded in 2012 by Guillaume d’Angerville of Burgundy’s famed Domaine Marquis d’Angerville. After an exhaustive search for terroir that could rival his native Volnay, Guillaume settled in Arbois, enchanted by Jura’s unique geology and viticultural potential. The estate is entirely biodynamic and organically farmed, and since its inception, it has quickly earned a reputation for producing some of Jura’s most refined and expressive wines. The En Barbi vineyard, once a curiosity, has become one of the domain’s flagships, now bottled separately beginning with the 2018 vintage.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve chilled at 10–12°C. This Chardonnay shines alongside delicate but flavorful seafood dishes like seared seabass with carrot-potato purée, roasted chicken with lemon and herbs, or even sushi with pickled vegetables. Its vibrant acidity and minerality also make it a perfect companion to soft cheeses and charcuterie.

The 2018 Domaine du Pélican Arbois Chardonnay is a luminous, terroir-driven wine that exemplifies the elegance and energy of Jura Chardonnay. With its sophisticated layers and crystalline structure, it offers both immediate charm and remarkable aging potential, an essential addition to any cellar.