Ligier Savagnin “Cuvée des Poets” 2019

The Jura is famous for its oxidized white wines made from Savagnin, but this cuvée is a bit different. The grape is Savagnin, but the style is called “ouillé” meaning “topped-up.” Instead of allowing the wine to evaporate and the yeast to form over the top of the liquid as in the oxidative Vin Jaune, winemakers continually refill the barrel to prevent oxidation.

The result is a pure Savagnin wine made like most other wines, and the results are delicious. The nose is bright and a bit earthy, with notes of herbs and yellow apples. The mouth has none of the nutty oxidation present in Vin Jaune, but shows a delightful array of spices and fruits – pear, white pepper, chalk, grapeskin. The textures is at once waxy and vibrant with lovely richness and great tension. This is unusual and excellent. Pair with sushi.