2006 Philippe Bornard, Arbois Pupillin, Le Ginglet $30

(France, Jura, Arbois Pupillin)

There is something great to be said about the old saying having to do with learning something new every day. Today that something new had to do with wine and it was my palate’s turn to learn, or rather experience something new and different. I am sure you can tell by the title you are saying “what the heck is this wine?” and maybe closed your browser. If you are still reading cheers to you!

The Jura is a tiny region east of Burgundy in France. It is little known in the main stram wine drinking world. However, in the uber wine geek world that I also live in, the Jura is an immensely respected and appreciated region. Kind of like a band I like called Wilco. From past readings on this region, thanks to New York Times wine writer Eric Asimov, visiting here is truly like stepping back in time. Traditional methods are the rule of thumb. The Jura also is typically known for their whites, both still and sparkling. Reds tend to play second fiddle to the white wines. The modern world has not exactly made its way to this little know corner of the wine world, thus the wines are very different than your average wine made in regions like Bordeaux or California. Based on this introductory wine, I am glad it has not and will try to do more discovering of this region. It is truly unlike any wine I have ever had.

The color? Check! New and different!

The nose & Palate? Check! New aromas and flavors mixed with those typical of multiple other French regions.

This is truly a Franco-phile’s wine delight! Its almost like a Chinon from the Loire meets a village level red Burgundy. Such a cool experience!

The recent prices on Wine-Searcher are around $30, but we paid under $20 at a shop that no longer has any inventory of this wine. It is well worth seeking out or finding a wine from the Jura soon to try out. Your palate will thank you, and you will have added big bonus points to educating and expanding your palate!

I listed at the bottom the exact specifics from CellarTracker, now on to the notes!

Color: Bordering on Rose-pink, light ruby core to salmon/copper outer bands, beautiful!

Nose & Palate: Smells of Bourgogne rouge, or red burgundy, village level stuff. Earthy, pepper, some subtle anise spice reminiscent of Cabernet Franc from Chinon. On the palate silky strawberry mingles with some vegetal green bell pepper and cracked black pepper. Excellent, acute acidity provides great focus on the minerally finish. Drink now.

Vintage 2006

Type Red

Producer Philippe Bornard

Variety Trousseau

Designation Le Ginglet

Vineyard n/a

Country France

Region Jura

Appellation Arbois Pupillin

Cheers,

Tom