Jura is a phantom for me. Quiet, mysterious, and elusive. This is one of France’s smallest and lesser-known wine regions, situated east of Burgundy near the Swiss border. Jura’s craggy, gently rolling terroir holds the secrets of diverse and rambling microclimates- from limestone to marly soils, and from dry summers to cold winters.
From the few wines I have tasted so far, I believe Jura must be a woman. Beautiful and multi-faceted, equally angelic, graceful, and yet completely frustrating. I am totally captivated.
I tasted this gorgeous Jura wine from Michel Gahier on a dark, steamy night in San Francisco. We were ensconced in one of the city’s most intriguing new restaurants, Commonwealth, when I had my first sip of this wine, made from Jura’s typical red grape, Trousseau. First, the wine is bright, full of a lean acidity- long, elegant limbs confidently striding over ancient cobblestones, silk skirts floating over strong calves and ankles. Then, there is a hint of black fruit- the aftertaste of a sun-ripened blackberry, and then nothing but dark, damp forest floor, mushrooms and tree bark.
This wine is a stunning enigma. I had never tasted anything like it. It is a first kiss, a long, hot look across a crowded room, a familiar embrace.
And now I want more.
Rather erotic…
In the very best way, right?
Hi Joanie – came across this because I have a Google alert for anything written on Jura wines!
So glad you’ve discovered a wine from this region and want to know more. I am a wine writer with a speciality in Jura (although I write, edit and speak on other wine areas too). I have a blog that I’m building up about the Jura, with links on it to much more information too. You might like to have a look: http://allaboutjurawine.co.uk
And I hope you enjoy discovering more wines form the Jura soon!
Thank you so much for this reply! I am always looking for new resources- I am sure your site will be right at the top of my list!
should I put Commonwealth on my list of first bites when we get to SF?
Without a doubt some of he best food I’ve had in the city. Could have been the wine, too. And certainly the company.
But the food was amazing- intresting, subtle, creative…
I am jazzed! I would love an Italian Wine Geek Top 5 for SF..off the record of course
I have a ton of recommendations… ON and OFF the record!
I had a feeling you might. I am hopeful you will be in the area sometime after we arrive and we may finally convene over wine and songs of Italia
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I just LOVE the way you describe this – simply wonderful! I live in Basel, moving to Alsace in a few months & now need to shunt Jura wines up my priority list!
PS the photo of the label is moody, atmospheric and – yes – romantic – perfect setting for your seduction!
Thanks so much! I am seriously excited about these wines… let me know what you find when you get to France!