Discovering Savagnin
Savagnin is the characteristic grape variety of the Jura . It enters into the composition of yellow wine . In the Jura region, it is used to produce straw wine . It is a wild grape variety that takes its name from the name "sauvanon" or "savanun". In Haute-Savoie , it is known as Gringet. It corresponds to the denomination of white fromentin nature and belongs to the family of the traminers. We tell you all about this grape variety!
Origin of Savagnin
Its origin is still unknown to the general public. However, it seems that this variety comes from the Austrian Tyrol. Franche Comté welcomed it a few decades ago and it immediately became one of the preferred grape varieties of the Jura . Some sources reveal that he arrived in Franche Comté in the 16th century.
Savagnin characteristics
It is characterized by dark green foliage. The wines made from this variety have a taste of flint and nuts and reveal great aromatic complexity. These wines are quite strong and highly sought after by wine lovers. With great aging potential, they can be kept for over 100 years. A unique variety of the marvelous yellow wine of the Jura, it is kept in a clavelin (bottle of wine of 62 centilitres). Savagnin is also used for other wines such as the mythical Jura straw wine , this time contained in a " demi-jura ", a half-bottle of 33.5 cl . You can also taste Savagnin in classic 75 cl bottles when it is, for example, blended with Chardonnay to form a very good white Arbois.
The nose of Savagnin reveals a flavor of hazelnuts, flowers, honey and green apple. The mouth is round leading to a buttery note. It is sometimes associated with Chardonnay to offer a typical wine known as "tradition".
To learn more about the Chardonnay grape variety, you can discover this article on this subject by clicking here .
Moreover, it is a variety giving small white clusters and medium size. Its thick-skinned berries are perfectly resistant to gray rot and vine diseases. Its flesh is juicy and very sweet. This variety gives the best of itself on marly soils (grey marl). Liassic gray shales and limestone scree are also favorable for the cultivation of this variety. All this makes it give tight clusters of fleshy golden yellow seeds offering a fine and delicate flavor.
It produces late harvest wines. It can produce 35 hl of wine per hectare. There are two main families: Savagnin Blanc and Savagnin Rose . The aromatic savagnin rose is nothing but gewurztraminer .
Savagnin winemaking
Savagnin is the prodigal son of the Jura and gives rise to wonderful wines and very recognized appellations.
His greatest success is probably the yellow wine, nicknamed in all modesty "L'Or du Jura". The vinification of yellow wine is traditional. The medium-sized bunches are harvested overripe . They are then pressed and fermented. The yeast used to ferment them is Saccharomyces Bayanus . This product is placed at the bottom of the vat or an oak barrel and contributes to the aging of the wine while preventing it from turning sour. After 6 years and 3 months of ageing, the wine can be taken out of the barrels. Day after day, a veil of yeast forms on the surface. Under veil, the wine matures slowly and takes on a yellow colour.
The different Jura appellations
The Jura has several appellations, including Chalon , Crémant du Jura , Macvin du Jura , L'étoile, AOC Arbois and much more. Arbois Mousseux or local wine from the Haute Saône is also one of the Jura appellations.
Tasting tips
Some wines benefit from being decanted , like young wines. Old wines, on the other hand, must be decanted . Savagnin white wines should be served between 12 and 14°C. Yellow wines will be served at a temperature between 14 and 15°C.
However, the wines produced by this variety can be accompanied by foie gras . Seafood and dried fruit are also suitable for drinking this type of wine.
Oé offers wines from organic farming . They are produced from organic grapes and have a low amount of sulphites . They are perfectly indicated for those intolerant to sulphites.
