Part II · Terroir

Jura & Savoie

[ZHOO-rah · sav-WAH]

Vin Jaune — France's most unique wine — plus Alpine whites of remarkable freshness.

The Region

Jura and Savoie are France's Alpine frontier, producing singular wines like Vin Jaune — an oxidative, sherry-like white from Savagnin aged under a yeast veil — and the pale, light reds of Trousseau and Poulsard. The Alpine whites of Jacquère and Altesse offer remarkable freshness.

History

The Jura's distinctive oxidative tradition (Vin Jaune) dates to the 14th century; Savoie's vineyards supplied the courts of Europe. Both regions remain small and tradition-bound, enjoying a 21st-century revival among curious drinkers.