Trousseau Grape variety guide: history, French regions, taste & food pairing
Trousseau is a characterful red grape of France's Jura, producing pale-to-medium reds with surprising depth, spice and structure. It is a cult favorite among lovers of natural and terroir-driven wine.
Learn more about Trousseau
History & origins
Trousseau has been recorded in the Jura since the 18th century and is believed to be native to the region. Remarkably, it later traveled far: it is the same grape as Bastardo in Portugal's Douro and Madeira, and Merenzao in Galicia. In the Jura it ripens late and demands warm sites; the village of Montigny-lès-Arsures near Arbois calls itself the "capital of Trousseau."
French regions & appellations
Arbois AOC, Côtes du Jura AOC, Crémant du Jura and Macvin du Jura, often blended with Poulsard and Pinot Noir.
Taste profile
Light to medium body with more color and tannin than Poulsard, offering red cherry, raspberry, cranberry, black pepper, forest floor and a savory, slightly smoky finish.
Food pairing
Comté, Morteau sausage, roast poultry with morels, duck breast, mushroom dishes, coq au vin and charcuterie.
Where Trousseau grows in France
Wine regions: Jura
Appellations: Crémant du Jura, Côtes du Jura