Valentin Morel L'Art de la Defaite

Vintage: 2022

Origin: Jura, France

Grapes: Chardonnay

Alcohol: 13.5%

This biodynamic blend represents both an ode to the Jura and a deeply personal reflection on winemaking philosophy, born from the agricultural havoc and collective challenges of 2021. Named after Batlik's album "L'Art de la défaite" (The Art of Defeat), this unique cuvée combines Chardonnay from Morel's Saint-Savin vineyard - planted on stony limestone scree and marl - with Savagnin from his En Bois d'Arnaux vineyard on marl soils. Hand-harvested grapes are direct-pressed and co-fermented spontaneously in neutral barrels of various sizes up to 600L, then topped up and aged for three years in the same vessels without any added sulphur. The result is a wine of exemplary precision and captivating depth that achieves perfect balance between tension and roundness, revealing subtle notes of white fruit and hazelnut whilst celebrating Valentin's unique savoir-faire. Bottled unfined and unfiltered with zero additional SO2, this masterful interpretation of terroir stands as a unique expression among Morel's recent productions—a testament to finding artistry even in defeat and letting authentic winemaking speak through every sip.