Stéphane Tissot ‘Singulier’ Trousseau
As winter loosens her cold grip, I am drawn to the mountains. Hints of green peaking through and foraging opportunities are just beginning. There is a region that reminds me of the Cascades with it’s beautiful valleys and beach-fringed lakes. Stunning mountains trails cross through forests as well as alpine meadows and wild life abounds! This magical place is In eastern France nestled up against the Swiss border - the Jura! Responsible for less than 1% of all the wine grown & made in France, this tiny region is a magical place. Grapes like Trousseau, Poulsard, Savagnin, Chardonnay grow here. The embossed bottles with the word JURA stamped across the neck plus the unique shaped bottles are dead giveaways on the shelf.
The soils in the area are composed of Jurassic era limestone, red and grey shale, clay and marl-stone. The geological developments of 145 million to 200 million years ago are evident in the soil makeup - isn’t that freaking so cool? The earth holds this seriously ancient history and this richness of life is soaked up by the deep roots allowing us have a taste of history - of place when we sip the wines. Top-soils in Arbois are gravelly, storing the sun’s heat to give heat back to the native varietals during the night and helping them to ripen in this cooler mountainous region.
Jura is known for its distinct winemaking styles and the resulting unique wines. It’s long been a favorite region of mine sooooo this week, I am hard-core crushing on Domaine Tissot ‘Singulier’ Trousseau! A classic representation of this gorgeous grape <insert swoon here> and one I will definitely be drinking a LOT!
As is happening more and more, Stephane took over from his father and then changed it up! He focused on the land and moved the estate to biodynamic farming, even gaining Demeter certification in 2004. With his wife, Benedicte, they made the decision to break from the traditional ways of making wine here and to make wines that showcased the unique terroir. And the care and nourishment of their land (rather than chemical taming and manipulating) is evident in the incredible quality of their grapes.
Singulier is made from the Les Corvees, En Mozart, and Les Berangers plot sites - the best of their Trousseau vines, and some of the oldest at the estate. The grapes are destemmed and kept on the skins for five weeks to allow structure and provide more color. Aged in old barrels for 12 months before being bottled. Native yeast, no additions or tricks just like all the wine at Molly’s.
The resulting wine is a gorgeously flavored, light bodied red wine with perfectly balanced tannin, acidity & fruit. The nose jumps out of the glass with a forest-floor, woodsy fruit vibe then the first sip is bright and fresh! Red plums & rainier cherries dance alongside darker blackberries and hints of ripe raspberry! Brimming with life and energy while remaining grounded, it is the aboslutely perfect wine for those nights where you feel a hint of spring but it’s still pretty damn frosty outside.
Benedicte and Stéphane Tissot allow their wines to truly represent the land where the grapes are born. All their wines are undoubtedly alive and not one bottle is alike. They perfectly capture the essence of Jura and are leading the charge as more Jura winemakers begin making wine naturally. I can’t wait to hear what you think!