Poulsard

Poulsard is a red grape of the Jura in eastern France, also called Ploussard. Its thin skins often give wines of strikingly pale colour, sometimes close to the appearance of a rosé. That appearance is part of its identity, not evidence that the wine was diluted or that the producer failed to extract enough colour.

The best reason to choose it is the combination of lightness, freshness and delicate fruit rather than an expectation of power. It can appear alone or with the Jura's other red grapes, Trousseau and Pinot noir. Producer choices still matter, particularly when a wine is made with little protective handling and needs careful storage or some air after opening.

Serve it slightly cool with charcuterie, mushrooms, roast poultry or a modestly rich lunch. A large, heavily flavoured dish may drown out the details that make Poulsard interesting. If you are new to the grape, choose a well-kept bottle from a merchant who can explain the style, rather than relying on pale colour as the whole buying decision.