The 1996 Alain Labet Côtes du Jura Cuvée de Garde is a white wine from the Jura region of France, known for its unique winemaking traditions. Alain Labet is recognized as a pioneer in producing 'topped-up' white wines, meaning they are aged without a veil of yeast and regularly topped up to preserve fruit purity and terroir expression. This Cuvée de Garde, depending on the vintage, typically blends Chardonnay with 20-30% Savagnin, offering a superb combination of Chardonnay's body and Savagnin's backbone. Jura whites, especially those made from Savagnin, tend to be low in alcohol with bright acidity, often presenting nutty, savory qualities and intense spiciness. The typical Jura white is intentionally made in an oxidative style, aged in barrel under a thin film of yeast, similar to sherry production. However, Alain Labet's approach of topping up barrels distinguishes his style from the more traditional 'sous voile' (under veil) oxidative Jura wines. While specific tasting notes for the 1996 vintage are scarce, general characteristics of Jura whites include notes of ripe lemon, yellow stone fruit, with complexity and freshness, sometimes with a gently textural, almost unctuous quality lifted by vibrant acidity. 【Pioneer of topped-up white wines in Jura】. 🍴 Food Pairing: This wine would be an excellent match for mature and hard cheeses like Comté (aged 24–36 months), mushrooms, poultry, or even a cauliflower curry. Its unique profile also pairs well with mild and soft cheeses. 🥂 Event: Ideal for a sophisticated dinner party or a gathering of wine enthusiasts looking to explore distinctive and characterful white wines. It's a conversation starter, perfect for those who appreciate wines with a strong sense of place and a non-mainstream style. Given its age, it's also suitable for a special anniversary or a reflective evening, offering a glimpse into the evolution of Jura wines.