Les Valseuses Sinnerman Carignan 2021

Les Valseuses is an innovative natural wine project based in Les Planches-près-Arbois, Jura, France, led by Antoine Le Court-Chedevergne and his partner Julia Naar. The duo combines a unique blend of winemaking techniques and cultural influences, and Antoine has gained experience working globally, including in Australia, California, and Brazil. Most notably, Antoine spent time with Alice Bouvot of L'Octavin in Arbois, whose mentorship influenced his first vintage under the Les Valseuses label in 2018.

Les Valseuses operates with a strong emphasis on long macerations and minimal intervention in the cellar. The wines are crafted from organically or biodynamically farmed grapes sourced from various regions of France. Antoine favors red and white blends, producing vibrant, mineral-driven, pure, and expressive wines without additives or added sulfites. The wines often reflect the couple's passion for music, with each cuvée named after a favorite song or musical influence​. Their wines have quickly gained a reputation for their precision and originality, standing out as a new wave of négociant winemaking talent in the Jura region.

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, which are 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 the iconic clavelin, a 620 ml bottle. 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 tend to be 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 compared to 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.