It’s February in Ontario. This year we have seen so much snow and such cold temperatures, we definitely could use some comfort in the food and wine department to sustain us till spring.
Under these wintry circumstances, there is only one cure for the February blahs and that’s a raclette party, and/or, a cheese fondue party!
LE SAVOIR-BOIRE has just the wines to accompany those two iconic and popular Alpine meals. The Jura region of France produces precisely the type of wines that best accompany these rich and satisfying meals. The Arbois sub-region in particular is home to some of the finest examples of local Chardonnay and Trousseau. The bottles are embossed with ‘Jura’and have the typical Jura shape so you know you are getting an authentic qualitative wine.
Jérôme Arnoux has been making his eponymous organic wines at Le Cellier des Tiercelines in Arbois, a main appellation of the Jura, for over 6 years. Self educated, he began working in the vineyard with Stéphane Tissot in Jura at the age of 17. Stéphane shared his passion of wine for a period of 10 years after which Jérôme left the Stéphane Tissot to refine his wine making skills at another winery situated in Montigny-les-Arsures. He was asked to join Cellier des Tiercelines a couple of years later by Stéphane Tissot and together with Benoit Mulin, they created and developed a company that buys grapes from surrounding winemakers, vinify and commercialize the wines. Today he owns his vineyards and makes wines under his own name. Jérôme produces 13 different wines; crémants, whites, reds and vins de liqueur such as Macvin. All of them are 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 food and wine publications such as Le Guide Hachette des Vins. As an added bonus, his wines remain affordable for the region.
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 l 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, beautifully accompanies a thin slice of raw Jura ham and of course raclette or cheese fondue. 13% alc./vol.
Jérôme Arnoux ‘Trousseau Exception’ 2019, AOC Arbois, Jura l 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. And don’t forget the raclette! Enjoy now or age for 5-8 years. Serve slightly chilled at around 15 degrees celsius. 12.5% alc./vol.
Jérôme Arnoux is represented in Ontario by LE SAVOIR-BOIRE.
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