Jura is an alpine region a little east of Burgundy and west of Switzerland. It has a classic contintental climate with hot summers and cold winters, and considerable rain during the growing season. geographically it is more mountainous than burgundy with a higher elevation. But the cool thing about Jura wines is their unique traditional styles from the slight oxidation of the reds to the complex whites that are either done sous le voile (under the “veil” of “flor” yeast in barrel) or without this treatment that leaves them crisp and fresh.
Winemaking in Jura is very traditional, often using wild yeast and organic practices of avoiding any artificial chemicals in the vineyards or the winery. Jura was into natural wine and didn’t even know it.
For the reds we are highlighting today we just got in a Ploussard and Trousseau.

Ploussard (also written “Poulsard”) is the most widely planted red variety in Jura and both varieties are very like Pinot Noir with a delicate nature, thin skin, low tannins and more suited to cooler climates. The primary flavors are of cherry and other red fruit with spice notes which develop into earthier notes of forest flor, bark and fall leaves. The Ploussard  is the more rustic of the two wines, a little more “sauvauge” with a big personality. Click to buy…

The Trousseau is a little more refined and delicate. Delicious! It is a little less tannic and more elegant. Click to buy…

 

Our featured producer Domaine Overnoy-Crinquand is typical for Jura. Three generations of farmers who practice all organic artisanal methods and source from their 5.5 Ha patch in Pupillin, a town in Arbois at the northern end of Jura. The terrain is very rough so everything is done by hand. By the way they also tend 70 cows and produce the famous Comte cheese of the area. We hope you give these fine wines a try.