Wines from the Jura and Switzerland

On Monday, January 4, 2016 I attended another tasting organized by Vin Marottoli of Wine Lover's Tours. Vin brings back wines from his many trips and sets up one of a kind tastings with wines generally unavailable in the US. Tonight it was wines from the Jura region of France and Switzerland. 

The Jura is a small region  east of Burgundy and just west of Switzerland. Although Arbois in Jura was the first  AOC in France, wines from the Jura are relatively unknown in the US. The Jura now contains four AOCs, Arbois, created in 1936 along with the Chateau-Chalon AOC, L'Etoile AOC, and Cotes Du Jura AOC. There are also three product AOCs as well. 

Thanks to Bon Appetit for the great map.

The white grapes used in the Jura are Savagnin and Chardonnay. The modern wines from the Savagnin grape show a mix of citrus, peach and minerals. They are a nice change from the wines we usually see on wine shop shelves. The Varone Heida and Lornet Nature stood out and got rave reviews from the tasters. While the other whites were very good those two made a big impression. 


The Jura has a traditional style of wine made from the Savagnin grape that is quite different from the those mentioned above. Vin Jaune-Yellow Wine. Vin Juane is 100% Savagnin and after fermentation is aged in oak casks for 6 years and 3 months at a minimum. During this time a veil of yeast forms and protects the wine from oxidation. The result is a wine that remind some a a dry sherry. The finest come from the Chateau-Chalon AOC.  

The Jura also produces red wine from three allowed grapes- Pinot Noir, Trousseau, and Poulsard. They are light to medium bodied with delicate fruit flavors that make them very easy to drink. 

Wine in Switzerland dates back to Roman times. Very little  Swiss wine makes it to us here in America so I was glad to have a chance to taste some here.
The Swiss wines included a white and red from Albert Mathier and a Pinot Noir from Marie -Therese Chappaz.  The Mathier Ermitage is made from  the Marsanne grape. It was in contrast to the Jura whites, richer with less acidity, quite nice. The Cornalin evoked comparisons to Gamay and lighter Rhone Valley reds. The Pinot Noir from Marie -Therese Chappaz was remarkably dark in color for a Pinot Noir. Very youthful, I would like to taste this wine again in a few year.

Both regions produce other types of wines, from sparkling to dessert style. This tasting was a great introduction to a few wines from these regions. Vin Marottoli can always be counted on to pick some interesting wines to bring home and share. I hope he continues this practice so I can try wines from places I have not yet visited. If you are interested in trying wines not available in the states get on his email list. These tastings sell out very quickly!