Jura - Savoie
The Jura is small Mountain region located in the East of France, part of this range forms a border with Switzerland.
Traditional grapes allowed in the appellations are Chardonnay and Savagnin for the whites; Ploussard (or Poulsard), Trousseau and Pinot Noir for the reds. Super light and electrically-charged, the reds are traditionally tasted / consumed locally before the whites, who can be aged for anything between 2 to 12 years in barrels before release.
Jura is also home to Vin Jaune, a Savagnin left for a minimum of 6 years in barrels, not topped up, which means a veil forms at the surface of the wine, which protects it from full-on oxidation. The taste is reminiscent of the best Fino Sherry, although the wines are not fortified.
Natural producers are legion there, they have resurrected the entire region by producing alluring and exciting wines, full of energy and life, that carry the mineral character and coolness of their Mountain. These growers have also uncovered and restored old vineyards, planted with ancient local varieties that were thought to have disappeared (Enfariné, Portuguais Bleu, Béclan, Gueuche etc..)
Jura is home to a number of Natural producers whose wines are so sought-after, that their limited production never meets the demand. They have become what's known as Unicorn Wines. Examples such as Domaine Overnoy-Houillon (created by Pierre Overnoy and now run by his adoptive son Emmanuel Houillon); Domaine Jean-Francois Ganevat; Domaine des Miroirs (Kenjiro Kagami); Bruyère-Houillon (Renaud Bruyère and Adeline Houillon); Domaine Labet (Labet Family) etc.. are indeed very hard to get.
