Domaine Grand : Savagnin 2018

Characteristics and tasting advice for Savagnin 2018 Domaine Grand

Tasting

Appearance
The color shows a pale yellow to golden hue, lifted by subtle amber highlights that reflect three years of oxidative aging.

Nose
The nose reveals remarkable aromatic complexity, characteristic of the Jura style. Notes of lemon zest and ginger intertwine with aromas of green walnuts and green apple. Hints of hazelnut and toasted almond bring that “hazelnut” dimension so typical of vin de voile, accompanied by mineral touches reminiscent of peat.

Palate
On the palate, the wine is powerful and well-structured. The attack shows immediate presence, followed by a multifaceted mid-palate combining oxidative richness with mineral freshness. The texture is full and enveloping, while the acidity maintains remarkable balance despite the perfectly integrated 15% alcohol. The finish lingers with persistent saline and spicy notes.

Food and wine pairings

This Savagnin is an ideal match for well-aged Comté, creating perfect harmony between the hazelnut-like aromas of the cheese and the wine. It also pairs beautifully with creamy poultry and mushroom dishes, especially morels. Lovers of bold pairings can also enjoy it with spicy curry dishes or preparations incorporating fermented elements.

Serving and cellaring

Savagnin 2018 is best enjoyed at a temperature between 12 and 14°C.

A typical oxidative Savagnin from Jura, powerful and complex

The estate

Based in Passenans, Domaine Grand upholds a family winemaking tradition dating back to 1692. Since 2015, Emmanuel Grand, representing the ninth generation, and Nathalie Morin have run the estate. They made the strategic choice to reduce the vineyard to around ten hectares to focus on quality. Committed to a certified organic approach since 2021, they were named Winemakers of the Year by the Guide Hachette in 2020. The estate reflects a philosophy of minimal intervention and respect for the Jura terroir.

The vineyard

This Côtes du Jura wine comes from parcels located in Passenans, in the heart of the winegrowing region. The Savagnin vines, aged twenty-five to fifty years, are planted on gray marl soils, a substrate recognized as ideal for the oxidative expression of this grape variety. The semi-continental climate, marked by harsh winters and hot, dry summers, encourages the slow ripening of Savagnin, a naturally late-ripening variety. Yields are deliberately limited to around 45 hectoliters per hectare. Harvesting is done by hand with rigorous berry selection.

The vintage

The year 2018 in the Jura benefited from generally favorable weather conditions, with warm temperatures and generous sunshine. These conditions allowed Savagnin to reach optimal ripeness while retaining the characteristic acidity needed for the balance of vin de voile.

Winemaking and aging

After complete destemming, Savagnin 2018 was vinified in stainless-steel tanks with indigenous yeasts, without inoculation with commercial yeasts. Following fermentation, the wine was transferred to old 228- and 350-liter barrels for three years of oxidative aging. During this period, a veil of natural yeasts developed on the surface of the wine in the semi-underground cellars of Passenans, protecting the wine while allowing controlled oxidation. The wine received neither topping up nor significant additions, in keeping with the estate’s minimal-intervention philosophy.

Grape variety

Savagnin (100%)