Savagnin Ain’t Savignon
I recently had this 2020 Rijckaert “Les Sarres” Côtes du Jura Savagnin at Maison Barnes at Café Boulud in NYC. If you’re in NYC and you haven’t been to the new Café Boulud on 63rd & Park Ave., you’re in for a treat. The atmosphere is elegant, French, and modern, with fantastic wines by the glass and fabulous food, whether you’re up for a multi-course meal or just some snacks at the bar.
This Côtes du Jura caught my eye immediately and didn’t disappoint. It’s a bit oxidative (it has the flavors of a wine that’s starting to mature, but isn’t sweet or sherry-like just yet). It’s both complex and crisp, with a salty finish…just a gorgeous, interesting, awesome white wine.
My friend joined me in drinking a glass and said, “wow, I usually don’t like Sauvignon Blanc.”
Savagnin is NOT the same as Sauvignon Blanc.
Here’s what you should know about Savagnin:
It’s grown almost exclusively in the Jura—a region sandwiched between Burgundy and Switzerland.
It’s a white wine grape, and the only grape used in Vin Jaune, which is the most famous wine from the Jura. Vin Jaune or “yellow wine” tastes A LOT like Sherry. It’s aged under a cover of yeast in oak barrels for 6+ years.
Savagnin can be citrus and floral and acidic and complex. It’s a really unique wine grape, worth trying in all of its forms.
Chin!
