WTN: A New Grape for me-the Arbois region "Trousseau"

Given that I reaqlly enjoyed the Poulsard produced by Tissot in Arbois, SE France, when I saw it, I picked up another of their wines this afternoon at K&L in San Francisco-a 2005 "Trousseau" from a special cuvee of older vines. Yum!

At first, the wine was not nearly as aromatic as the Poulsard. When drinking the Poulsard a month ago, I spent as much time sniffing the glass as drinking it! It did open up quite a bit, but I would still say that this is not as aromatic a wine as the Polusard.

Palate: In a similar family to the Poulsard, this is a very lifted, spicy red with great acidity. The wine is darker and more rich than the Poulsard, with maybe an earthy coffee???? note added to the palate. Absolutely enjoyable. Not cheap-about $30, but worth every penny. I opened the bottle at Terroir wine bar, and I think we all enjopyed it quite a bit.

From THEIR menu, a completely different expression of Syrah than yesterday's Renard 2006 Herve Souhaut Vin De Pays de l'Ardeche. Imported by World Wide Wines (Jenny and Francois). Can't say which I prefer-the Renard was definitely darker and richer and earthy and had a great finish. This Ardeche wine, however, had that wonderful high toned and lifted character. Fantastic acidity. And, one of my favorite flavor characteristics in a wine-spice and pepper. Lots and lots of pepper. Only complaint might be a short finish, but the wine is quite young, so....

Hello Brian and other Jura wine fans,

Strange to relate, Trousseau is according to ampelographers, but not I believe yet proved by DNA testing, related to the Bastardo of Portugal (mainly part of the Dao blend). Quite how one travelled to the other I don't know at all. There's less than 100ha (250 acres) in the Jura, but it is expanding little by little and they have done some research into which terroirs it suits best as it is growing (that's a very relative word here!) in popularity.

Brian - was this Stephane (A & M) Tissot's Trousseau? If so, it's actually deeper and fuller than any other Arbois red I know, though Puffeney's version comes close. Personally in all my Jura tastings I've found Trousseau much more interesting than Poulsard, especially with a hearty meal. It has more complex interesting deep flavours, more tannin and it can also cope with a little oak too.

That's the one, Wink. I agree with you vis a vis the palate. My fondness for the Poulsard is that darn nose, it was just exhilerating.But, this Trousseau was one itriguing drink. To think for the price of one bottle of Silver Oak you can buy three bottles of this beauty! Euro be danred, France is still a "bargain" in the "lesser" appellations!

Don't get me wrong, I still like some California wines (not Cali Pinot ), Bordeaux, good Chiant, etc. But, there is something about these Arbois wines that is exciting. Along with my newfound appreciation of Cru Beaujolais and odd little central French no-name appelations (Pays de l'Ardeche!!??) there is a whole world out there!