The Savagnin
Grape
A white grape variety, not to be confused with Sauvignon Blanc, native to the Jura region of France, where it's used to produce Vin Jaune and other traditional Jura wines. Savagnin is known for its high acidity and nutty, citrus flavors, with a distinctive oxidative style.
Savagnin
Grape History
Savagnin is a white grape variety with a rich and storied history that dates back several centuries. It is believed to be native to the Jura region in eastern France, where it has been cultivated since at least the 16th century. The grape is known for its high acidity and aromatic profile, often displaying notes of green apple, citrus, and nuts.
One of the most famous wines made from Savagnin is Vin Jaune, a unique and long-lived wine that is produced in the Jura region. Vin Jaune is aged in oak barrels for a minimum of six years and three months, during which time it develops a distinctive oxidative character and complex flavors of nuts, spices, and dried fruits. It is often compared to Sherry and is highly sought after by wine enthusiasts around the world.
Savagnin is also used in the production of other wines in the Jura region, such as Côtes du Jura and Macvin du Jura. In addition to France, the grape is grown in several other countries, including Switzerland, Australia, and Argentina. In Australia, Savagnin is known as Traminer, and it is used to produce aromatic and flavorful wines that have gained popularity in recent years.
The future of Savagnin is bright, as this grape variety continues to attract attention for its unique characteristics and versatility in winemaking. In recent years, there has been a growing interest in natural and traditional winemaking methods, which bodes well for Savagnin and other grape varieties with a strong sense of terroir. Additionally, the increasing popularity of wines with a strong sense of place and a focus on authenticity and craftsmanship is likely to further elevate the status of Savagnin in the global wine market.
Overall, Savagnin is a grape variety with a fascinating history, a distinctive flavor profile, and a promising future in the world of wine. Whether enjoyed on its own or as part of a blend, wines made from Savagnin are sure to delight wine lovers with their complexity and character.
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