Cavarodes Vin de Pays de Franche-Comté Rouge 2019 2018

Domaine des Cavarodes is the project of Etienne Thiebaud, who trained as an oenologist in Beaune and worked at Domaine de la Tournelle before taking over his family vines around Cramans in the northern Jura. This regional red draws on a field blend of Poulsard, Trousseau, Pinot Noir, Gamay and Pinot Meunier grown on the marl and limestone slopes either side of the Loue. The cool continental climate and short growing season keep sugars moderate and acidity high, which is why the wine stays fresh and light on its feet despite its dark fruit. Vinification is low intervention, with the wine spending twelve months in large old foudres rather than new barrels, so the oak adds gentle oxygen and texture without woody flavour. The colour is a bright medium ruby. The nose leads with black and red fruit, damp earth and a thread of spice, while the palate is supple and savoury with fine acidity and light tannin. Serve at 15 to 16 degrees, and open half an hour ahead. It suits roast chicken, charcuterie and mushroom dishes.