Savagnin

Grape variety	Savagnin
Synonyms	Traminer, Traminer Musqué, Fromentin, Gentil Aromatique
Grape colour	White grape
History	The Savagnin grape, also known as Traminer, is a heritage white grape variety that originated from the eastern parts of France, specifically the Jura region. Despite not being related to Sauvignon Blanc, it's often confused due to the similar nomenclature. The grape's history dates back to the Medieval times, making it one of the oldest grape varieties still in cultivation. This grape has made its mark in the winemaking world with its unique style of wine, Vin Jaune, and the sweet dessert wine, Vin de Paille.
Characteristics of the wine	Savagnin is most famously used to produce Vin Jaune, a wine known for its deep yellow color and unique maturation process. The wine is aged in barrels under a layer of yeast, known as 'flor', for a period of several years. This aging process imparts rich, complex flavors to the wine, reminiscent of nuts and spices. It also gives the wine its distinctive golden hue. In addition to Vin Jaune, Savagnin is also used to produce a sweet dessert wine, Vin de Paille, which is known for its intense concentration and rich, honey-like sweetness.
Ampelographic features	The Savagnin vine is characterized by its small to medium-sized five-lobed leaves. The bunches are small and compact, with thick-skinned berries that are resistant to most vine diseases. The vine is typically high-yielding and ripens late in the season.