Jean-Yves Péron La Petite Robe 2023

Jean-Yves Peron works steep micro-plots of old vines on the mountainous slopes of Chevaline in Savoy, in the French Alps. Trained in Bordeaux and shaped by mentors Thierry Allemand and Bruno Schueller, he makes natural wines with minimal intervention. La Petite Robe is built on Jacquere, the local Alpine white grape, grown mainly on limestone soils where altitude and cool mountain air keep acidity high and lend the wine its mineral, saline freshness. The grapes are given skin contact, which adds light tannin, texture and a faint amber tint while keeping the wine bright rather than oxidative. At 11 percent it stays light and energetic, a fresh, fruity style of orange wine. Fermentation runs on native yeasts with little or no added sulphur, preserving the lively character of the fruit. The colour is pale amber. The nose shows green apple, pear and lemon over white flowers and dried herbs. The palate is dry, fresh and lightly textured, with a saline edge and a clean, herbal finish. Serve at 10 to 12 degrees. It suits white fish, poultry, goat cheese and salads.