One of the most interesting experiences is to taste and appreciate wine from a unique region of the world. Although I’ve had plenty of examples, there are so many more to swirl, sip, and savor while learning the story behind the grape. Lately, I’ve been revisiting Savagnin, also known as Traminer, a white grape varietal that has been cultivated in France for over 900 years. In fact, Savagnin is the flagship grape of the Jura region located in eastern France.
Photo Credit: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jura_wine
Savagnin in Jura, Its Ancestral Home
Tucked in the foothills of the Jura mountains, in the eastern portion of France that borders Switzerland, this tiny, isolated area of just over 80 kilometers through the Revermont region includes four geographic AOCs. The only permitted grape varieties for the AOCs in the Jura are white grapes Savagnin and Chardonnay, and red grapes Ploussard, Trousseau, and Pinot Noir.
In the Jura, Savagnin is used to make a truly unique wine: Vin Jaune. Savagnin is matured in oak barrels under flor yeast, like sherry, and wines offer a savory, nut-like quality that is both complex and rich. Savagnin is also blended with Chardonnay in a non-oxidative style, too, and is part of the blend in Cremant de Jura.
Quick Overview of Savagnin
Savagnin is a late-ripening grape with a thick skin and small green-skinned berries. Low-yielding, Savagnin grows in compact clusters. Known for its mineral driven aromas and high acidity, Savagnin thrives in cool climates that help maintain freshness and flavor. In general, Savagnin exudes citrus, florals, nuts, and often rich tropical notes on the nose and palate.
When sipping Savagnin with food, I’ve enjoyed creamy, flavorful Comte cheese from the Jura as well as my favorite chicken dishes, crabcakes, mushroom risotto, and pasta with truffles. Mouthwatering? Absolutely.
Photo Credit: Vino Voss
Try This: Johan Vineyards 2023 Savagnin
This flavorful grape is found in France, of course, but small amounts are cultivated in Germany, Switzerland, Australia and the United States.
A few weeks ago, I was sent a sample bottle of Johan Vineyards 2023 Savagnin ($40) from a Demeter® certified, Biodynamic® estate vineyard and winery located in Oregon’s Van Duzer Corridor AVA Willamette Valley. For more information about this notable winery, click HERE.
As the story from Johan Vineyard goes, “in 2017, Morgan Beck, Winemaker, was asked to care for 200 baby Savagnin vines coming from the Foundation of Plant Sciences at UC Davis. She not only cared for them, but grew them up in small pots until we could eventually harvest the budwood and graft the variety into the vineyard.” After two years, Savagnin was indeed grafted into the Johan Vineyards and their first single varietal Savagnin was produced in 2021.
Photo Credit: Johan Vineyards
On the nose, I was delighted to find notes of orchard fruit, ripe lemon, grilled pineapple and yellow florals. The savory palate burst with brilliant acidity, tart apples, herbs and spice, then finished with minerality and even more spice. I paired a chilled glass (or two) with roasted chicken with herbs and a rich mushroom risotto for a splendid dinner! As a bonus, Johan Vineyards 2023 Savagnin has the ability to age. I look forward to tasting more in the years to come.
Look for a bottle of Savagnin from your favorite wine retailer and enjoy!
Cheers to Savagnin! ~ Cindy
