The Jaen
Grape
Known in Portugal, particularly in the Dão region, Jaen is a red grape variety that produces medium-bodied wines with soft tannins and high acidity. It offers flavors of berries, plums, and sometimes herbal notes, contributing to the aromatic complexity and freshness of Dão red blends.
Jaen
Grape History
Jaen, also known as Mencia in some regions, is a red wine grape variety that has a long and storied history dating back to ancient times. This grape is thought to have originated in the Iberian Peninsula, specifically in the northwest regions of Spain and Portugal. The exact origins of Jaen are somewhat unclear due to its long history and various names it has been known by over the centuries.
One interesting fact about Jaen is that it is often associated with the Bierzo wine region in northwest Spain, where it is the primary grape variety used in red wines. Jaen is known for producing wines that are vibrant and aromatic, with flavors of ripe red fruits, herbal notes, and a hint of minerality. These wines are typically medium-bodied with a good level of acidity, making them versatile and food-friendly.
Jaen is also grown in other regions of Spain, such as Ribeira Sacra and Valdeorras, as well as in some parts of Portugal, where it is known as Jaen or Jaen Tinto. In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in Jaen, with winemakers in both Spain and Portugal exploring its potential for producing high-quality wines that reflect the unique terroir of their respective regions.
In terms of the wines Jaen is used in, it is most commonly found in varietal bottlings where it is the star of the show. However, it is also used in blends, adding complexity and depth to the final wine. Jaen is often blended with other indigenous grape varieties such as Rufete, Bastardo, and Touriga Nacional, creating wines that are well-balanced and expressive.
As for the projected future of Jaen, it seems to be on the rise as winemakers continue to experiment with different winemaking techniques and explore new terroirs. The grape's ability to produce wines with character and individuality, combined with the growing interest in indigenous grape varieties, bodes well for the future of Jaen.
Overall, Jaen is a fascinating grape variety with a rich history and exciting future. Its unique flavors and versatility make it a standout choice for both wine enthusiasts and winemakers looking to create distinctive and memorable wines.
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