Savagnin

Savagnin, or Savagnin blanc, is a white grape variety grown mainly in the Jura region of France, as well as in other parts of Europe and even overseas. It is a versatile variety, capable of producing dry, off-dry, sweet and oxidative styles of wine.

Savagnin is a white variety that produces yellow-green grapes with a thick skin. It has high acidity, with subtle aromas of earth, spice, citrus, white flowers and nuts on the nose. The palate is medium to full-bodied, with flavours of lemon and apple, a slight bitterness and a long finish.

Savagnin is most commonly grown in the Jura region of France, where it is used to produce the famous Vin Jaune, Vin de Paille or even the traditional Jura sparkling wines. Savagnin is an relatively easy variety to grow. It has thick skins and is therefore relatively resistance to the comon pests and diseases. It needs a long growing season and cool climate to reach full ripeness. In the winery, the grapes are usually fermented in stainless steel tanks, with the use of oak barrels for aging common in the Jura region. The most famous style of wine made from Savagnin is Vin Jaune, a dry, oxidative wine that is aged for six years under a layer of flor yeast in old barrels. The other styles produced in the Jura include Vin de Paille, a sweet wine made from air-dried grapes or sparkling wines with the traditional method. Savagnin is a versatile variety that pairs well with a variety of dishes. Dry styles can be enjoyed with seafood or white meats, while sweet styles pair well with creamy cheeses, fruit desserts and foie gras.

Vin jaune is a wine aged under flor for over six years.

The vin jaune is then bottled in a special shaped bottles of 62 cl (21 ounces), called clavelins. The wines have some similarity to dry sherry although they are not fortified.