The wines from the Jura appellation are very much on trend with sommeliers, restauranteurs and curious wine lovers alike. Classic grapes such as Chardonnay result in wines that are very different from one’s accepted understanding of what a Chardonnay should taste like. The soils and the climate contribute greatly to making the final product an unusual, attractive and food friendly wine. Not to mention a great dinner party conversation piece. Other native grapes such as Savagnin, Trousseau as well as Pinot Noir do exceptionally well in this less well-known French wine region. The Jura is rich in expressions of these grapes: sparkling, dry, sweet, oxydised wines are all well represented – something for every course of the meal!
Jérôme Arnoux has been making his eponymous organic wines at his own winery: Le Cellier des Tiercelines in Arbois, arguably the better known appellation of the Jura, for over 6 years. Prior to that, he was crafting wines for over 20 years for other Jura producers -he was Stéphane Tissot’s right hand man for ages. Jérôme produces 13 different wines – fine and elegant examples of native grapes, using only indigenous yeasts and little or no added sulphites. His wines are highly rated in France in the various respected wine publications. As an added bonus, his wines remain affordable for the region.
It only stands to reason then that I am absolutely thrilled to introduce the organic wines of Jérôme Arnoux/Cellier des Tiercelines to the Ontario market! Here are the two wines that are currently available online and at the France Destination store in Ottawa (Rideau & King Edward):
Jérôme Arnoux ‘Chantemerle’ 2017, AOC Arbois, Jura
LCBO# 287143 l $28.70
A beautiful Chardonnay aged in oak barrels for 12 months, full of character. On the nose: apple, citrus, lychee and peach. The palate is dry with salty notes, lots of ripe fruit, such as peach and kiwi. A captivatingly elegant, atypical Chardonnay. This wine is an ideal complement to a quiche, cheese soufflé, gratin or grilled fish. Chantemerle also pairs perfectly with creamy snails, crayfish or scallops and beautifully accompanies a thin slice of raw Jura ham. 13% alc./vol.
Jérôme Arnoux ‘Trousseau Exception’ 2019, AOC Arbois, Jura
LCBO# 287150 l $28.70
A wine matured in barrels for 12 months, with great intensity both on the nose and in the mouth. Strawberry, red currant and cherry form an elegant and powerful bouquet. An aromatic quality that lasts in a rich and full mouth, backed by ripe tannins and a fine acidity. This wine will accompany grilled red meats, game and cheese such as Morbier, or in Canada, Douanier Rousseau. Enjoy now or age for 5-8 years. Serve slightly chilled at around 15 degrees celsius. 12.5% alc./vol.
