We were surprised when we saw the 2018 Domaine Dugois “En Grevelliere” Trousseau Arbois Rouge in Celilo restaurant in the small Oregonian town of Hood River.
Why surprised?
It was quite a gutsy move on the restaurant side to add this rare find to their list. As confusing as French labels can sometimes be, this wine has an extra layer of “intrigue.” First, it comes from the Arbois region in Jura, France, which is hardly familiar to most wine drinkers. To top that, it’s made from Trousseau grape, yet another stranger to most.
The winemaker, Daniel Dugois, has quite a story. He started with just 2 hectares of vineyard in 1973 and grew grapes for other producers. When he made his first wine under his own label in 1982, it earned a Gold medal and immediate recognition as a winemaker. His son, Philippe, took over the reins in 2013, ensuring the family tradition continues.
The 2018 Domaine Dugois “En Grevelliere” is a delightful departure from the typical Pinot Noir or Cru Beaujolais. It is made from 50-year-old vines on clay-limestone soils and vinified with native yeasts, giving it a rustic charm along with an aromatic profile, rich color, and an outstanding balance of spice, pepper, blackberry, and dark cherry that’s perfect for the season.
What we love most is its structure; it has just the right amount of tannic grip to complement turkey and all the fixings we love. Its light-to-medium-bodied profile makes it versatile enough to work well with various dishes. And the best part? It’s priced under $20 retail!
We recommend serving this Trousseau slightly chilled or at standard temperature. It would go wonderfully with everything from a cheese plate to roast duck and pork belly. We can’t wait to try it with our Thanksgiving spread!
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