2016 Valerie Tissot Poulsard

Region: Arbois < Jura< France

Grapes: Poulsard

Vineyard/Cellar Stats: organic farming, limestone and clay soil, hillside vineyards

Winemaker: Valérie Tissot

Winemaking runs in the family with the Tissots, and Valérie & Jean-Christophe are the third generation to work their vines in the hobbit-like region of Jura, France. Jura is a hotbed for natural winemaking and there are lots of Tissots scattered about, (there are several in the small region) but this Tissot family is new to the market. The brother and sister team of Valérie & Jean-Christophe have just fully transitioned into the leadership role, where Valérie has taken the title of cellar master from her mother Françoise, who still sneaks in to taste! We love that the winemaking has passed from mother to daughter because its rare and cool, and also puts a definitive feminine stamp on the wines. Pale and dusty mauve in color, the wine is surprisingly zingy and fresh, a cocktail of watermelon, cloves and earth, with subtle herbal and black pepper notes on the finish. It starts off a bit reserved but blossoms with air. Decant or pour in a big glass and let breathe first, then enjoy this light, spiced alpine juice, a perfect transitional wine for Pinot lovers craving something new.