An English couple ( John & Carolyn Scallan ) run a small B&B (Chez Scallan) at Sens-sur-Seille (71 Saône-et-Loire, Rhône-Alpes ) on the border of Burgundy and Jura and work with various wine makers in both regions. John’s contacts with and knowledge of the local wines enables them to offer an ideal way of getting to know the region and its wines, combined with B&B and English!
There are any more experienced than us who deal with Burgundy wines but as for the Jura…..
The wines of the Jura are unique, idiosyncratic and, to say the least,somewhat different. The reds are light and fruity in the same way as those of Alsace. In a good year the Trousseau of the north Jura is magnificent.
The Poulsard (or if you live in the tiny village of Pupillin, Plousard) but it is the whites that are the real stars of the region.
Starting with the basic Chardonnay, as unlike a New World Chardonnay as you could ever find and related only by name to the Chardonnays of Chablis & Chassagne Montrachet you’ll find out how “unique, idiosyncratic and, to say the least, different” these wines are.
The other white grape variety is the King of the region. The Savagnin. This has a taste like no other wine. When the wine is made “sous-voile” the taste is similar to dry sherry. An assemblage of the Chardonnay & Savagnin (usually about 65% – 35% proportions) is a gentle way of breaking into this powerhouse which finishes with the stunning Vin Jaune. Matured for 6 years in second hand Burgundy
barrels this wine loses about 20% of its quantity during this time. A layer of yeast forms on the surface which protects it from oxidisation and gives it its full flavour (not too everyone’s taste, let it be admitted). A wine that will keep for over 100 years! A bottle of the 1774 vintage was sold at this year’s Percee du Vin Jaune for 57,000€! The AOC’s of Vin de Paille (“Straw wine” which is made from grapes picked as soon as they are ripe and dried on beds of straw for three months, producing a rich sweet dessert wine) and Macvin (an assemblage of grape juice and Marc du Jura which MUST be made on the same domain) are both unusual and eye-opening.
B&B Burgundy
We offer small groups of between 4 & 6, (possibly 7, contact us) the
chance to find out about this undiscovered gem using our many years of experience, and extensive local knowledge. We have worked with many of the local winemakers and can personally recommend ALL of the producers featuring on this tour.
The Tour Price includes the following:
– 5 nights B&B accommodation. We have three rooms available, doubles and twins, and all are en suite.
– Sunday night evening meal (5 courses) at which you will be introduced to a variety of wines, one per course, which will give you a good base knowledge.
– 3 days tastings, Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday, comprising 5 wine-makers and one brewer. These will vary from a large co-operative down through the sizes to a small individual producer. We limit the tastings to 2 per day so that you can keep a note of which one was which!
– 2 Picnic lunches to be taken at locations we hope you will enjoy.
– Thursday night evening meal to finish off the tour, chat about what you have learnt and discuss when you’re going to come back.
– Chauffeur driven transport and the help of an interpreter for the tasting days.
– The use of the transport & chauffeur to go where you wish on Thursday.
– Chauffeur driven transport to & from local restaurants Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday nights.
All of the above is subject to your wishes. Should you not want to do as much tasting and have another “free” day we can offer lots of alternatives, and the driver and vehicle will still be at your disposal. Should you wish to substitute any of your own favourite locations, just let us know.
Wine is so much more than an alcoholic beverage in a bottle – John and Carolyn offer an experience which encompasses the wine, geography, history and people!
