Let’s just start off by saying, a bottle of Arnot Roberts Trousseau is one of the best California Trousseau wines on the market. Okay, moving right along…
When most people think of California wine, they think of the usual suspects – AKA, highly commercial Cabernet (I see you, Napa), Pinot Noir (that’s you, Sonoma Coast), Zinfandel (hi, Lodi and Paso Robles). But there’s another grape making waves among taste-making California winemakers.
Have you heard of Trousseau? Have you tasted it? If not, please, please, please read on – it’s delightful!
I was introduced to this grape a few years ago, and it knocked my socks off. Actually, I probably wasn’t wearing socks. Let’s just say, the bottle I sampled left quite the impression.
That brings me to this bottle of Arnot Roberts Trousseau, North Coast, 2019. This wine was released at the beginning of the pandemic. The world was filled with uncertainty, and my fridge was low on wine. So when I saw my allocation notification land in my email, I really took advantage.
Among their Heinstein Vineyard, Old Vine White Field Blend (it’s amazing, by the way), their Handal-Denier Vineyard Falangina, I bought a case of the Luchsinger Vineyard Trousseau – yes, an entire case. I have never bought an entire case of a single variety, but I did so that morning, and I have zero regrets.
I only had so much space in my fridge, and I ended up with most of the case tucked into the back of my closet with knee-length dresses grazing the top of the cardboard box. What can I say, those were desperate times.
What is Trousseau?
Trousseau is a red grape from the Jura region of France. Jura is located in Eastern France, near Switzerland. While this wine grape originally hails from France,, small plantings are also found in California and Oregon. Natural winemakers and those practicing low intervention techniques love this grape.
Interestingly, Trousseau grapes are most widely planted in Portugal, where it’s known as Bastardo, and used to make Port and Madeira. In Spain, the grape is called Verdejo Negro.
The grape is known for producing notes of strawberry and watermelon, with subtle hints of spiced orange peel and juicy tangerine. This grape is acidic grape, and when it comes to color, expect a cherry red hue in the glass, or, if the grapes have spent more time on the skins, a deep cherry. It’s really a beaut in the glass.
What does Arnot Roberts Trousseau taste like?
There’s no point in beating around the bush, erm, vine. So, I’ll just come out and say it: it’s amazing. On my palate, the wine is quick witted: throwing a snappy strawberry-rhubarb, one-two punch, then surprising you with thirst quenching watermelon and a vibrant zestiness you don’t see coming.
When I started sipping, I couldn’t help but think of this chillable red as something like Dylan’s (Strawberry) Blonde on (Strawberry) Blonde, an earthy debutante at an Alpine ball.
A New Blend with Pinot Noir
It’s also worth mentioning that the winemaking brains behind this bottle, Duncan Arnot Meyers and Nathan Lee Roberts, recently started making a Jura-inspired blend of 80% Trousseau and 20% Pinot Noir.
I haven’t done a review on this one yet; I honestly jumped right into the bottle and just starting sipping because it was so captivating! But it was delish. Highly recommend that bottle too. The 2021 vintage of the Arnot-Roberts Trousseau-Pinot Noir was the inaugural release.
Trousseau Noir vs. Trousseau Gris
Fun fact: Trousseau Gris is actually a white mutation of Trousseau Noir. I mean, who knows what these grapes get up to when they’re left alone in the vineyard.
Trousseau Gris used to be a pretty common variety out here in California, where it went by the name Grey Riesling, but now there are only a few acres planted in the entire state of California. The Fanucci-Wood Road vineyard is the most notable supplier of this grape.
I believe Stiletto in San Benito also has a tiny planting.
As far as grape varieties go, I’m a big fan of both.
FAQs
Is Trousseau wine dry?
Trousseau can either be dry or sweet, depending on the style of the winemaker. The California interpretations I’ve tried are all dry, but, you can imagine if you try a port in Portugal, that will be on the sweeter side.
Where can you buy Arnot Roberts?
Arnot Roberts releases their wine three times a year. They produce so many exciting wines, you will not be disappointed by their offerings.
If you really, really like amazing wines, sign up for their Wine Club, so you’re guaranteed bottles from every vintage.
Prefer to buy your wine on the fly? Arnot Roberts wines are available at wine retailers like K&L Wines and Verve Wines.
Other California winemakers that work with this variety
- Stolpman Vineyard
- Broc Cellars
- Phelan Farms
- Forlorn Hope
- Jolie-Laide