Discover Savagnin: Fascinating Facts About Jura’s Hidden Wine Gem
Savagnin and Jura wines might not be the first to pop into your head when you think about wine, but trust us, they’re worth exploring. From Australia’s accidental love affair with Savagnin to the fascinating history and winemaking traditions of Jura, this is wine geekery at its best—served up in the laid-back, no-nonsense style of The Wined Up podcast. By the way it IS Savagnin, not a typo of Sauvignon!
If you want to try an Australian Savagnin – try the Wild Savagnin Solero from Soumah!
The Accidental Arrival of Savagnin in Australia
Here’s a story straight out of a wine comedy script. Back in the late 1980s, Australian winemakers thought they were planting Albariño, a crisp and aromatic Spanish white grape. But fast forward to 2009, and DNA testing revealed the truth: those vines weren’t Albariño—they were Savagnin.
How did this happen? It turns out the Spanish authorities sent the wrong cuttings. Classic mix-up. While some might call it a blunder, we prefer to think of it as serendipity. Savagnin has since found a home in regions like the Hunter Valley, Yarra Valley, and Tasmania, where winemakers are experimenting with unique styles that stand out from Jura’s traditional approach.
So, cheers to happy accidents!
Where is Jura and Why is It So Special?
Jura, located in eastern France, sits snugly between Burgundy and Switzerland. It’s a tiny wine region with a huge personality, producing less than 1% of France’s wine.
Here’s a fun nugget of trivia: the term “Jurassic,” as in the Jurassic Park movies, actually comes from Jura. During the Jurassic period, the region’s limestone-rich soils were formed—so yeah, you could say it’s a place of prehistoric significance.
Historically, Jura and Burgundy were once connected, but tectonic shifts created the Jura Mountains, splitting the two regions. While Burgundy became world-famous for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, Jura embraced its quirky, distinctive grapes, like Savagnin and Poulsard.
What Makes Jura Wines Unique?
Jura wines are small in production but mighty in character. Savagnin, in particular, takes center stage in the region’s most famous wine, Vin Jaune (yellow wine). The winemaking process for Vin Jaune is nothing short of magical:
- Hand-Picked Grapes: The steep Jura slopes mean everything is done by hand.
- Wild Fermentation: Savagnin is fermented with natural yeasts, giving the wine complex flavors.
- The Veil of Yeast: After fermentation, the wine is aged for a minimum of 6 years and 3 months under a natural yeast film called the voile (veil). This protects the wine from oxidation while developing its signature nutty, tangy, and spicy notes.
- Extreme Conditions: Jura winemakers allow the wine to experience seasonal temperature changes, enhancing its depth and complexity.
The result? A wine that’s golden in colour, intensely aromatic, and loaded with flavours like hazelnut, curry, mushroom, and toast.
Savagnin Fun Facts: From Parentage to Pairings
Savagnin isn’t just any grape—it’s royalty. A genetic cousin of Sauvignon Blanc and Chenin Blanc, it’s a versatile variety that adapts beautifully to different climates and winemaking techniques.
One of the coolest things about Savagnin is its food-pairing potential. If you want a match made in heaven, look no further than Comté cheese. As the locals say, “What grows together, goes together.” The nutty, creamy flavours of Comté complement Savagnin’s tangy and savoury notes perfectly.
How Savagnin Differs Around the World
Jura’s Savagnin is all about tradition, with its Vin Jaune and oxidative styles. But in Australia, winemakers are taking a fresh approach. Without the voile aging process, Australian Savagnin tends to be bright, fruity, and zippy, offering a completely different experience.
And let’s not forget Spain’s influence. The Solera system, used in sherry production, has inspired some Australian winemakers to create multi-vintage blends that add complexity to their Savagnin wines.
Seven Appellations, One Grape
Jura’s wines might be rare, but the region boasts seven appellations, each with its own rules and character. The standout for Savagnin is Château-Chalon, which exclusively produces Vin Jaune. Other appellations like Arbois and Côtes du Jura allow winemakers more flexibility, leading to a variety of styles.
Whether you’re sipping a nutty Vin Jaune or a zesty Savagnin from down under, there’s always something new to discover with this grape.
Why Jura Wines Deserve a Spot on Your Table
So why should you hunt down a bottle of Jura wine? For starters, it’s a wine lover’s dream—unique, complex, and steeped in history. Plus, it’s a conversation starter. Imagine dropping “Did you know Jurassic Park is named after Jura?” at your next dinner party.
And let’s not forget the fun of pairing these wines. From creamy cheeses like Comté to earthy mushroom dishes, Jura wines add a touch of sophistication to any meal.
Final Thoughts: Explore the Mystique of Savagnin and Jura
Whether you’re a seasoned wine enthusiast or just dipping your toes into the world of wine, Savagnin and Jura offer an adventure like no other. From Australia’s accidental plantings to the mystical traditions of Vin Jaune, there’s no shortage of fascinating stories and flavors to explore.
So, grab a bottle, some Comté cheese, and get ready to experience wine in a whole new way. Cheers! 🥂
If you want to try a Jura Savagnin – try the 2018 Domaine Frederic Lambert Cotes du Jura!
