Grapes You Haven't Heard Of
You know Chardonnay. You've had Pinot Noir. But have you tried Jacquère? Savagnin? Gros Manseng? These are the grapes that change how you think about wine.
White grapes
Jacquère
From: Savoie (French Alps)
Taste: Alpine freshness — rock, lemon, elderflower. Light but not empty.
Why it matters: Grows almost exclusively in the Alps. A wine that tastes like where it comes from: cold, clean, mineral. Perfect to start an evening or pair with fish.
At Pijalni: On the wine list (Armenaz and Les Oeillets — two Savoie Jacquères). Ask Dominika.
Savagnin
From: Jura (France)
Taste: Oxidative (Vin Jaune): walnut, curry, honey, sea breeze. Fresh (ouillé): mineral, floral, intense.
Why it matters: Possibly the strangest white grape in the world. Same grape, two completely different wines depending on how the winemaker handles the barrel.
At Pijalni: Savagnin isn't always on the daily list, but Dominika sources it specially for tastings through Geek Wines. In Jura-themed evenings, this is the most surprising grape to compare.
Gros Manseng
From: Jurançon (Pyrenees, southwest France)
Taste: Dry, sharp, citrusy. Mango, passion fruit, grapefruit — but bone-dry.
Why it matters: The best white wine for Asian food, sushi, spicy dishes. Nobody knows this because nobody promotes Jurançon sec.
Petit Manseng
From: Jurançon
Taste: Intense, sweet — honey, apricot, candied orange. Not cloying, because acidity balances.
Why it matters: The grape skins are so thick the fruit dries on the vine (passerillage) — naturally concentrated, no added sugar.
Muscadet (Melon de Bourgogne)
From: Loire Valley
Taste: Mineral, salty, citrusy. Wine that tastes like the ocean.
Why it matters: The best wine for oysters in the world. Costs almost nothing. The "sur lie" version (aged on yeast lees) has a creamy texture and depth that surprises.
At Pijalni: Muscadet Indigène by Clos de Treilles — one of our favourite by-the-glass options.
Red grapes
Gamay
From: Beaujolais (also Loire, Savoie, Switzerland)
Taste: Light, fruity, juicy. Cherry, raspberry, violet. Best served chilled.
Why it matters: Beaujolais Nouveau is NOT real Gamay. Cru Beaujolais — Morgon, Fleurie, Moulin-à-Vent — are serious wines that age for years. Dominika knows this region personally — she's harvested at Domaine Chapel.
At Pijalni: Always at least one Gamay by the glass. In blind tastings, this is a favourite grape for regional comparison.
Pinot Noir
From: Burgundy (also Alsace, Jura, Germany, New Zealand…)
Taste: Elegant, subtle. Cherry, strawberry, earth, smoke. Varies dramatically by terroir.
Why it matters: You know it — but have you had Pinot from Alsace? From Jura? From Germany? Same grape, completely different wine. In a blind tasting, Pinot Noir from four regions is a terroir lesson in one evening.
Mondeuse
From: Savoie (French Alps)
Taste: Peppery, wild, mountain-grown. Dark fruit, smoke, pepper. Like Syrah from the Alps.
Poulsard
From: Jura (France)
Taste: The lightest red wine in the world. Looks like cherry juice. Tastes like delicate fruit, herbs, wet earth.
Why it matters: Breaks every rule. Serve it chilled. Pair it with fish. Looks like rosé, tastes like nothing else.
At Pijalni: Not always on the daily list, but Dominika sources it specially for Jura tastings, through Geek Wines and other good importers. She likes giving it to people who say "I only drink heavy reds."
Frequently asked questions
What is Jacquère?
A white grape from Savoie (French Alps). Grows almost exclusively there. Makes fresh, mineral, light wine — smells like rock, citrus, and white flowers. Perfect to start an evening. More about Savoie →
What is Savagnin?
A white grape from Jura (France). Produces two completely different styles: oxidative Vin Jaune (walnut, curry, honey) and fresh ouillé (mineral, floral). The most surprising grape you can try at a tasting.
What's the difference between Gamay and Pinot Noir?
Both are light reds — but Gamay is more fruity, juicy, and direct (cherry, raspberry). Pinot Noir is subtler, earthier, more complex. Best way to feel the difference? A blind tasting — 4 Gamay vs 4 Pinot Noir. Book one →
What wine pairs with sushi?
Gros Manseng from Jurançon (dry, citrusy, exotic fruitiness) or Muscadet sur lie from the Loire (mineral, salty). Both work brilliantly with wasabi, ginger, and soy sauce.
Can I try these grapes at Pijalni?
Gamay, Pinot Noir, and Muscadet are available by the glass. Jacquère from Savoie and Jurançon are on the bottle list. Savagnin and Poulsard from Jura aren't always on the daily list — but Dominika sources them specially for tastings, through Geek Wines and other good importers. See the wine list →
Can I book a tasting of specific varieties?
Yes — that's exactly how blind tastings work. One grape, four regions. Dominika picks the grape that best shows the differences. More about blind tasting →