2019 Blard & Fils ‘Micraster’ Jacquère 

Region: Abymes < Vin de Savoie AOP < France

Grapes: Jacquère 

Vineyard/Cellar Stats: Vines are minimum 33 years old, some way older; planted on the scree of Mont Granier, a mix of clay/limestone/marl/silex; vinified and aged in stainless steel tanks for 3 months; native yeast start to finish; 11.5% ABV; 500 cases

Winemakers: Jean-Noël and Thomas Blard

Jean-Noël and Thomas Blard continue to uphold and transform their family’s five-generation winegrowing tradition in the Savoie Abymes region of France. With a commitment to both tradition and modernity, this dynamic father/son duo is passionate about natural, organic processes in the vineyards and the cellar. They're currently in the midst of obtaining the AB (French organic) certification, and are equally thoughtful and hands-off in the cellar. They've also been influential in demonstrating the region’s potential for exceptional winemaking, beyond that of “raclette wine” production. Thomas, who is now in charge, strongly believes in the Jacquère grape and challenges the popular notion that it produces a basic or boring wine. Jacquère is the dominant Savoyard grape, representing around 50% of the vineyard, and somms and drinkers around the world are finally starting to recognize the beauty of this racy, high-acid alpine grape.

Those qualities shine brightly in the 'Micraster' cuveé, which we put in the category of "delicious water", because it's so light, refreshing and low alcohol that it literally goes down like water. The color is almost clear, like water., with the palest lemon hue, and it smells like grass and rocks. On the bone-dry palate you get bright, tart, high acid lemon, stone fruit and green apple sour patch kids up front, then a pristine wave of glacial water with flinty stones washes it all away, leaving your mouth tingly and thirsty for more. Obviously it would pair perfectly with some raclette or fondue, but this is not a one-trick pony - it works for everything from your starter wine, to get things going over some small tapas, to the bottle that takes you through a plant-forward or seafood meal. Pretty much anything that would benefit from a squeeze of lemon would work with this wine.

So crisp, autumnal and delicious, 'Micraster' will have you running through lush, green fields singing Sound of Music lyrics….