Description
Jean-Luc Mouillard, Côtes du Jura Trousseau “Sur La Cour”
WHERE IT’S MADE
The Jura wine region has been the subject of much fascination lately; located about an hour east of Burgundy, in rolling foothills looking toward the Jura Mountains (and the Swiss border), the Jura is marginally cooler than Burgundy but has a very similar soil structure of clay, marl, and limestone. Grapes for this bottling come from three acres of vines in Mantry, the home village of the Mouillard estate.
WHO MAKES IT
This is a quintessential farmstead operation: Jean-Luc Mouillard grew up on his family’s dairy farm, which included a few small vineyards whose grapes were sold to the local cooperative. Not long after finishing enology, Jean-Luc founded his eponymous domaine in 1991, growing his vineyard holdings to 25 acres across three Jura appellations. The domaine is currently in the process of conversion to organic viticulture. The domaine’s barrel room is housed in a stone cellar that dates to the 16th century.
HOW IT’S MADE
In a generous vintage, the Mouillards produce all of 400 cases of this wine, which is sourced from a single, small vineyard parcel. According to the wine’s importer, the wine is sometimes aged only in tank, while in other years it may spend some time in barrel. This 2019, the product of a warm vintage, has considerable richness and a relatively deep color by Trousseau standards, and despite the wine’s light, soft feel, the alcohol is substantial.
HOW IT TASTES
Crushed-velvet tannins and lots of wild forest-berry fruit are among the signature characteristics of a classic Trousseau. This one is a deep ruby-purple in color and slightly cloudy, with aromas/flavors of raspberries, wild strawberry, currants, lilac, violet, pepper, underbrush, and leather. Juicy and gently tannic, but with a tangy crunch and an aromatic, lightly smoky finish.
