Given to me at the end of The Wine Society press tasting tucked inside a goody bag this wine came in a can that suggested something far simpler perhaps a run-of-the-mill Merlot-style red. It was a surprise to find something far more engaging inside.
This wine comes from Jura in eastern France produced by Fruitière Vinicole d’Arbois one of the country’s oldest co-operatives based in Arbois. It’s made entirely from Poulsard, also known locally as Ploussard, a red grape variety native to the region and grown almost nowhere else. Poulsard is known for its delicate skin and low pigment producing wines that are strikingly pale in colour with an airy crisp character. This version is non-vintage and comes in at 12.5% abv.
In the glass the wine is very light in hue with browning. The aroma is gently savoury. On the tongue it remains savoury but opens out into soft cherry and strawberry flavours that would sit beautifully alongside food. Tannins are minimal and the texture is dry and light. A touch of spice creeps in at the finish leaving behind a nutty aftertaste.
This is anything but generic and a brilliant example of how good wine doesn’t need a cork or a bottle to shine. Interestingly the same wine comes in three different can designs which adds a playful touch. At £4.75 for a 250ml can from The Wine Society it’s a very worthwhile little adventure.
