La Grange 476 Savagnin Chardonnay Côtes du Jura 2021

La Grange 476 is a boutique winery in the Jura region of France, specifically in the village of Menétru-le-Vignoble. Established in 2020 by Dimitri Vetois and Marion Valverde, the winery spans approximately four hectares of vineyards on the southern slopes of Ménetru le Vignoble and Château-Chalon. The vineyards are planted with traditional Jura grape varieties, including Savagnin, Chardonnay, Poulsard, and Pinot Noir.

Committed to organic and biodynamic farming practices, La Grange 476 emphasizes minimal intervention in the vineyard and the cellar. Using horse-drawn plowing with their Comtois horses, Solferino and Khyr, reflects their dedication to sustainable viticulture. In the cellar, they vinify by parcel, allowing each wine to express its unique terroir. The whites are pressed directly into old casks for aging, while the reds are destemmed by hand using traditional cane mats. No additives are used at any stage, resulting in dense, layered, and nuanced wines.

La Grange 476's portfolio includes wines such as "Les Bouchettes Poulsard," a red wine made from the Poulsard grape, and "Sous-Roche Savagnin," a white wine crafted from Savagnin grapes. These wines have garnered attention for their purity and harmonious expression of the Jura terroir. The winery's commitment to traditional methods and natural winemaking has positioned La Grange 476 as a notable producer within the Jura region, appealing to enthusiasts seeking authentic and terroir-driven wines.

The Jura is one of France's most fascinating and distinctive wine regions. Nestled between Burgundy and Switzerland, this small region is known for its unique terroir and traditional winemaking techniques. With around 2,000 hectares of vineyards, Jura has a diverse climate influenced by the Alps and continental conditions, offering ideal settings for complex and rare wines. Jura is home to indigenous grape varieties that are rarely found elsewhere. Savagnin is the star here, producing the region's famous Vin Jaune, a wine aged in barrels under a thin layer of yeast called "voile," giving it its distinctive oxidative character. Other important grapes include Poulsard and Trousseau, used for the light, earthy reds typical of Jura, and Chardonnay, often made in traditional Burgundian and oxidative styles.

The soils in the Jura are varied, but limestone and marl dominate, giving the wines an underlying minerality. The high-altitude vineyards, which can reach up to 400 meters, help retain acidity in the grapes, balancing the robust flavors from the winemaking process. One of Jura's most famous wine styles is Vin Jaune, often compared to sherry due to its oxidative nature. It's aged in barrels for at least six years and three months, developing rich, nutty, and savory flavors. This wine is made exclusively from Savagnin grapes and traditionally bottled in a 620 ml bottle of the iconic clavelin. Vin de Paille, another specialty, is made from grapes dried on straw mats, concentrating their sugars and flavors into a sweet, intense wine.

For red wine lovers, Jura offers light yet structured reds made from Poulsard and Trousseau. These wines are pale in color but packed with complexity, showing notes of red berries, earth, and spice. While Chardonnay is also grown here, Jura's expression is unique, often displaying nuttier, richer flavors than its Burgundian neighbor.
One cannot discuss Jura without mentioning Crémant du Jura, the region's sparkling wine made using the traditional method. It offers excellent value and quality, with crisp acidity and bright fruit notes, making it a delightful alternative to Champagne.

The winemaking philosophy in Jura is deeply rooted in tradition. Many winemakers practice organic or biodynamic farming, and there is a strong emphasis on minimal intervention in the cellar. This respect for nature and terroir is part of what makes Jura wines so distinctive and sought after.
In recent years, Jura has gained a cult following among wine enthusiasts. Its small production, coupled with its unique styles, has made it one of the most intriguing wine regions in France. Whether you're seeking the nutty richness of Vin Jaune or the delicate, earthy reds, Jura offers a wine experience like no other.