Lise et Bertrand Jousset "Orange Jouss" Loire Valley, France 2022

FROM JENNY & FRANÇOIS:

THE WINE: Jousset Orange Jouss presents a captivating sensory experience. The wine boasts a bright orange color with a slight haze, reflecting its natural, unfiltered character. Upon nosing, it offers a vibrant and aromatic bouquet, featuring intense notes of citrus fruits, particularly orange zest and tangerine, complemented by subtle floral hints. On the palate, Jousset Orange Jouss delivers a crisp and refreshing mouthfeel with lively acidity. The dominant flavors are citrus fruits, especially orange and mandarin, which are prominently featured. The wine's texture is characterized by a slight tannic grip, typical of orange wines, which adds structure and complexity to the overall experience. Subtle hints of herbs and a touch of minerality further enhance the depth of the flavor profile. The tasting experience concludes with a persistent and zesty finish, leaving a lingering impression of citrus and subtle tannins. Overall, Jousset Orange Jouss can be described as a vibrant and expressive orange wine that showcases the characteristics of its natural winemaking process. It strikes a harmonious balance between fruitiness, freshness, and complexity, making it an excellent representation of the orange wine style.

THE PRODUCER: Lise and Bertrand Jousset founded their winery in Montlouis-sur-Loire in 2004, trusting their instincts to craft a distinctive wine style. Inspired by various vignerons they visited, they embarked on creating natural wines without direct mentors, drawing inspiration from like-minded winemakers who share their values.

Their passion lies in producing wine for enjoyment and sharing, leading them to engage with fellow enthusiasts through travel and networking. Despite facing challenges like frost damage in recent years, they initiated the Exile project. By collaborating with friends who uphold similar viticultural principles, they expanded their horizons to new terroirs and grape varieties while maintaining their unique winemaking approach.

Spanning 11 hectares across Montlouis and Touraine, their vineyard comprises 27 plots with an average yield of 30HL/ha. The Joussets prioritize a hands-off approach, eschewing additives like yeast, chaptalization, acidification, or enzymes to focus on the intrinsic quality of the grape and emphasize meticulous vineyard work.