Bénédicte et Stéphane Tissot Poulsard Amphore 2020 Magnum
TissotGrape: Poulsard
Vintage: 2020
Type: Red
This red macerates 3 months in above-ground amphorae, which is the whole idea of the bottling. A pale, thin-skinned Jura grape, poulsard gives up almost no color, so 3 months on skins in clay is a far longer exposure than it usually gets. Nothing is added at any stage, sulfites included. The result is a red built on texture rather than color.
It displays a pale, hazy garnet, barely darker than a rosé, opening with aromas of pomegranate, dried cranberry, and orange peel. On the palate, the light-bodied frame carries far more grip than the color suggests, the clay leaving a fine chalky texture across the middle. Notes of sour cherry, black tea, and something faintly saline develop as it opens. Acidity is high and the tannins are dusty rather than firm, holding the wine upright without weight. It finishes dry, tart, and clean, leaving a chalk-and-citrus impression behind.