100% Chardonnay

Sextant is the project of Julien Altaber, a negociant winemaker based in St Aubin, Burgundy. For Julien, Sextant is about “Special cuvées, pet nats, skins, fun and non-traditional wines”. The cellar is seen as a place to experiment and create, rather than only making terroir-based wines with big appellation names.

Originally from the Auvergne, Julien Altaber started his career at the side of Dominique Derain in Saint-Aubin. Keen to produce his own cuve´es, the two struck a deal whereby Julien would continue to help Dominique - all the while learning his trade - and in return he would help Julien source fruit and loan him the use of his cellar to produce his wines. In 2009, he purchased a 90-year old Aligoté parcel on Puligny, and he works with several organic growers in the Cotes de Beaune and Cotes Chalonnaise for parcels of fruit. A little Gamay and Pinot Gris coming from Beaujolais as well.

The Fleur au Verre Blanc is made with fruit from Damien Gressard in the Cote Chalonnaise. Fermentation takes places in stainless steel and is finished off in old barrels where it stays for 6 months over winter. Julien likes to bottle his spring wines just as they are “waking up” from the winter slumber. This time of vibrancy and change is something he likes to capture in the bottle.

Tasting notes : Fresh, slightly salty lemons. Pure and energetic.

Food pairing : Something aromatic and rich like Jerk pork or carnitas tacos, crudités !