Regions Worth Knowing
France isn't just Bordeaux. The most exciting wines are made where nobody's looking — in the Alps, in Jura, at the foot of the Pyrenees.
Savoie
The French Alps, near the Swiss border. Vineyards at 300-600 metres, surrounded by mountains, Lake Geneva, and snow for half the year. This isn't a region they talk about in sommelier courses. And that's exactly why it's worth knowing.
Jacquère
A white grape that grows almost exclusively in Savoie. Nobody outside the Alps cultivates it — because nobody else has the conditions. The vine likes cold, steep slopes, and limestone rock.
In the glass: freshness like an alpine spring. Citrus, white flowers, a mineral note that lingers. Light — but not empty. The perfect wine to start an evening or pair with fish.
At Pijalni: we have Jacquère on the list (Armenaz by Domaine des Côtes Rousses and Les Oeillets by Jean-Yves Perron). Ask Dominika — she'll show you how it differs from Muscadet or Riesling.
Mondeuse
Savoie's red grape. Peppery, wild, with aromas of dark fruit and smoke. Imagine Syrah, but from the mountains — lighter, more mineral, with the chill of an alpine evening in the background.
Jura
Between Burgundy and Switzerland — a narrow strip of vineyards producing some of the strangest and most fascinating wines in the world. Jura is a region for people who've tried everything and want something new.
Savagnin
Possibly the strangest white grape in the world. In its oxidative version (Vin Jaune), it tastes like walnut, curry, honey, and sea breeze — simultaneously. In its fresh version (ouillé), it's mineral, floral, with a surprising intensity.
Both are Savagnin. But two completely different wines. The difference? How the winemaker handles the barrel — whether they top it up (ouillé) or allow air contact (sous voile).
At Pijalni: Savagnin isn't always on the daily list — but for Jura-themed tastings, Dominika sources it specially through Geek Wines. One of the most surprising grapes to compare blind.
Poulsard
The lightest red wine in the world. It looks like cherry juice — pale, translucent. Tastes like delicate red fruit, herbs, and wet earth after rain. Pinot Noir's lightness taken to the extreme.
Poulsard breaks every rule. A red wine you serve chilled? Yes. A red wine with fish? Why not.
Jurançon
Southwest France, at the foot of the Pyrenees. Known mainly for sweet wines — but the most interesting things happen in the dry version (Jurançon sec).
Gros Manseng
A dry white with character. Sharp, citrusy, with a hint of exotic fruit — mango, passion fruit, grapefruit. Excellent with Asian cuisine, sushi, spicy food. Nobody knows this, because nobody promotes Jurançon sec outside France.
Petit Manseng
Intense, sweet white wine — but not cloying. Honey, apricot, candied orange peel. Great with dessert or foie gras, but also as an aperitif alone — because the acidity balances the sweetness.
Why these regions?
Because wine there is still affordable, honest, and made by people, not corporations. Bordeaux and Burgundy are great wines — but everybody knows them. Savoie, Jura, Jurançon are regions you discover for yourself — or with a sommelier who knows them personally.
Dominika imports wines from these regions through Geek Wines. She knows the producers. She's been to harvest at Domaine Chapel in Beaujolais — and came back convinced that handmade wines from people she knows are the only way.
Frequently asked questions
Can I try wines from Savoie and Jura at Pijalni?
Jacquère from Savoie and Jurançon blends from Château Lafitte are on the wine list. Savagnin and Poulsard from Jura aren't always on the daily list — but Dominika sources them specially for themed tastings, through Geek Wines and other good importers. Ask what's currently available.
What is Vin Jaune?
A wine from the Jura region, made from Savagnin. Aged for a minimum of 6 years and 3 months under a veil of yeast (voile). Tastes like walnut, curry, honey — simultaneously. One of the most unusual wines in the world.
What is an oxidative wine?
Wine aged in contact with air (under a yeast veil or without one). It develops nutty, honeyed, sherry-like aromas. Savagnin from Jura is made this way — but Dominika also has fresh versions (ouillé), without air contact. Two completely different wines from the same grape.
What wine pairs well with sushi and Asian food?
Jurançon sec (Gros Manseng) — a dry white from the Pyrenees. Sharp, citrusy, with exotic fruitiness that works brilliantly with wasabi, ginger, and soy sauce. Nobody promotes this, but it's one of the best pairings in the world.
Can I book a tasting focused on these regions?
Yes — "Alpine wines: Savoie & Jura" is one of our favourite tasting themes. Dominika will select 5-6 wines from these regions. Book a tasting →