The Jacquère
Grape
The most widely planted white grape variety in Savoie, France, Jacquère produces light, fresh, and crisp wines with high acidity. These wines often exhibit flavors of green apple, citrus, and floral notes, embodying the alpine freshness of the region. Jacquère is primarily consumed young to preserve its vibrant character.
Jacquère
Grape History
Jacquère is a white wine grape variety native to the Savoie region in eastern France. It is primarily grown in the French Alps, particularly in the Savoie and Bugey regions, where it has been cultivated for centuries. The history of Jacquère dates back to at least the 16th century, making it one of the oldest grape varieties in the Savoie region.
Jacquère is known for its high acidity and delicate flavors, which make it ideal for producing crisp, light-bodied white wines. The grape is often used to make dry, aromatic wines with notes of citrus, green apple, and white flowers. Jacquère is also commonly used in the production of sparkling wines, adding freshness and acidity to the final blend.
In addition to its distinctive flavor profile, Jacquère is prized by winemakers for its ability to retain its acidity even in cool climates. This makes it well-suited to the mountainous terrain of the Savoie region, where the grape thrives in the region's unique microclimate.
While Jacquère is primarily grown in the Savoie region, it is also cultivated in small quantities in other parts of France, as well as in Switzerland and Italy. However, the grape remains relatively unknown outside of its traditional growing areas.
The future of Jacquère is somewhat uncertain, as the grape faces challenges from climate change and shifting consumer preferences. However, some winemakers are experimenting with new techniques and styles to showcase the potential of this unique grape variety. As interest in indigenous grape varieties and terroir-driven wines continues to grow, there is a renewed focus on Jacquère and its potential to produce distinctive, high-quality wines.
Overall, Jacquère remains a hidden gem in the world of wine, offering a glimpse into the rich history and unique terroir of the Savoie region. With its crisp acidity, delicate flavors, and versatility in winemaking, Jacquère is sure to continue captivating wine enthusiasts and curious palates for years to come.
Introduction
Hello, my name is Franklin Laurel - Welcome!
I started drinking wine in 1992 when I was in my early twenties and recently married. Like many other young Southern Californians, it started out with White Zinfandel. As we were a couple of young DINKs just beginning life together, and on a budget, our go-to-wine was Sutter Home White Zinfandel, which tasted a lot like wine coolers and probably cost at the time $2.49. If we really were going to splurge, we would step it up and buy Beringer White Zinfandel for $2.99. Those were the days....
After a little time, we decided to get fancy. We stepped up our game and bought some wonderful 2-Buck Chuck from Trader Joe's. The Charles Shaw (Trader Joe's Exclusive Label) wine, also known as 2-Buck-Chuck extended our pallet into Reds for only $1.99 a bottle. Over the years we continued to grow in our understanding of wine (finally ran into some good wine) and we slowly kept buying better and better bottles.
Our first wine club purchase was from Kenwood's Vineyards, in Kenwood, California located in Sonoma Valley, right next to the famous Napa Valley. I began to learn about tobacco leather, and earthiness, and lots of other strange terminology when tasting their signature Zinfandels (of the red variety). So that is how it all began.
Fast forward a couple decades, and we have been members of five different wine clubs, and now have a passion for California's red wines. My favorite by far is Cabernet Sauvignon, while my wife fancies a good Syrah, Malbec, or Merlot - but she also loves the smell of a wine barrel room, which is all about the notes of Cabernet Sauvignon.
As I come across great wine resources and useful information that I find in planning my own wine trips, I will share here for anyone that might stumble across my humble website.
Cheers! - Franklin Laurel