2013 Jean-Francois Quenard, Persan “Les 2 Jean” Vin de Savoie Rouge, France.
The grape is Persan, it is native varietal to the Rhone-Alpes and Savoie, but can also be found in areas of Piedmonte Italy where it is generally known as Becuet. The origins are still a mystery, though there are many legends, the most likely at this point is that is intact from Savoie, though may have got it’s name from the hamlet of Princens by Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne, a historic vineyard east of Grenoble that was very highly regarding back in the 17th Century. The reference on Persan comes from Jancis Robinson’s latest volume Wine Grapes, a lengthy and compelling read for the most hardened wine geek! This unique and rare grape, of which there is only about 25 acres to be found in France, makes for a pretty and Gamay like red wine that has elements that remind you of Pinot Noir and Syrah, with some characteristics and details that also feel like Trousseau. The Quenard 2013 Persan, imported by Charles Neal, is medium weight with a bright ruby hue starting with light floral and earth notes, hints of pepper, walnut oil and good acidity, it’s main core is plum, cherry and blueberry fruits with some strawberry, red peach and cranberry. This is a very elegant and direct wine with not too much complexity, soft tannins and with mild savory herbs and mineral tones in the background, it comes in at about 12.5% alcohol and has a decent finish, drink it from 2015 to 2018. I really enjoyed this totally new to me wine very much and hope to taste more, a super fun discovery and experience.
($24 Est.) 91 Points, grapelive
