Poulsard

Quick Facts

Berry Color: Pink to pale red (unusual)
Skin Thickness: Very thin
Ripening: Early
Vigor: Low
Yield: Low
Color: Among palest red wines
Character: Delicate, fragile, aromatic

Overview

Poulsard (also spelled Ploussard) is the Jura’s most distinctive indigenous red grape, producing wines so pale they are often mistaken for rosé. The variety’s thin, pink-red skins yield minimal color, creating delicate, aromatic wines that represent a stark contrast to modern expectations of red wine. When well-made, Poulsard offers perfumed, floral wines with an ethereal quality that has attracted a devoted following among natural wine enthusiasts. For enologists, Poulsard represents extreme study in light extraction and the production of characterful wines from minimal-pigment varieties.

Etymology and History

Name Origin

Poulsard/Ploussard: Regional names; etymology unclear

Alternative: May relate to local dialect

Historical Development

Ancient Jura cultivation
Traditional variety of Arbois area
Near-obscurity mid-20th century
Natural wine movement revival
Growing cult following

Modern Renaissance

Catalyst: Natural wine interest

Appeal: Unique character; challenging style

Producers: Quality-focused revival

Viticulture

Vine Characteristics

Growth Habit: Weak; delicate

Leaf Shape: Small

Cluster: Small; loose

Berry: Medium; pink/pale red skins (distinctive)

Growing Requirements

Climate: Continental; Jura-type

Soil Preference: Marl, limestone

Challenge: Fragile; disease susceptible

Training: Careful management required

Phenological Stages

Stage	Timing
Bud break	Mid-April
Flowering	Early June
Véraison	Early August
Harvest	Mid-September

The Fragility Factor

Thin Skins: Among thinnest of any variety

Pink Color: Berries often look like rosé grapes

Disease Risk: High sensitivity

Result: Demanding cultivation; low yields

Wine Profile

Appearance

Color: Very pale ruby to salmon
Intensity: Often mistaken for rosé
Evolution: Develops quickly

Aromatic Profile

Primary Aromas:

Red fruits (cherry, raspberry, strawberry)
Floral (rose petals, violet)
Spice (cinnamon, pepper)
Earthy (forest floor)

Character: Delicate; perfumed; ethereal

Palate Characteristics

Structure:

Light body
Very soft tannins
Good acidity
Delicate extraction

Texture: Silky; gossamer; weightless

Finish: Medium; floral; delicate

Regional Context

Arbois AOC

Status: Primary appellation

Character: Classic expression

Style: Light; aromatic

Côtes du Jura AOC

Coverage: Regional

Quality: Variable

Pupillin

Village: Famous for Poulsard

Terroir: Specific site character

Quality: Top expressions

Winemaking Considerations

Fermentation

Temperature: Cool (18-22°C)

Duration: Short maceration essential

Vessel: Stainless; neutral wood

Goal: Preserve aromatics; minimal extraction

Extraction

Approach: Extremely gentle

Challenge: Almost no pigment to extract

Technique: Short skin contact; light handling

Result: Pale wines; delicate tannins

Oxidation Styles

Options:

Fresh (reductive): Fruit-forward
Oxidative (sous voile): Complex; nutty

Natural Wine: Often allowed some oxidation

Oak Usage

Traditional: Minimal or none

Modern: Some barrel aging

Philosophy: Delicacy preservation

The Color Question

Why So Pale?

Berry Color: Naturally pink/light red

Skin Pigment: Minimal anthocyanins

Genetics: Inherent variety characteristic

Perception Challenge

Consumer Expectation: Red wine = dark

Reality: Poulsard = pale red

Education: Required for market acceptance

Food Pairing

Traditional Matches

Jura Cuisine:

Comté cheese
Charcuterie
Light poultry
Mushroom dishes

Versatility: Bridges white and red pairings

Temperature

Serving: Slightly chilled (14-16°C)

Context: Summer red; unique occasions

Key Producers

Quality Leaders

Domaine de la Tournelle: Benchmark quality

Domaine Overnoy-Crinquand: Natural wine icon

Stéphane Tissot: Quality range

Domaine Labet: Quality producer

Natural Wine Focus

Various Jura natural producers

Market Position

Production Statistics

Jura Plantings: ~300+ hectares

Trend: Stable; niche following

Distribution: Limited; specialist market

Pricing

Level	Price (€)
Entry	€15-22
Quality	€22-38
Premium	€35-60+

Market Position

Niche: Cult following; natural wine

Challenge: Style unfamiliar to most

Strength: Unique character; devoted fans

Comparison with Light Reds

Variety	Color	Body	Character
Poulsard	Very pale	Light	Floral, delicate
Trousseau	Pale	Light	Perfumed, more structure
Pinot Noir	Pale-medium	Light-medium	Varied
Grignolino	Pale	Light	Tannic (unusual)

Unique Position

Palest Red: Among lightest-colored reds globally

Character: Unmatched delicacy

Natural Wine Connection

Appeal

Authenticity: Low-intervention style suits variety

Character: Natural expression of fragile grape

Community: Jura natural wine hub

Style Match

Minimal Intervention: Works with fragile variety

Oxidation: Accepted; sometimes embraced

Result: Unique wines; devoted following

Conclusion

Poulsard represents wine’s fragile extreme—a variety so pale and delicate that it challenges conventional definitions of red wine. For enologists, Poulsard demonstrates that compelling wines can emerge from minimal extraction and that color intensity is unrelated to flavor interest. The variety’s revival through the natural wine movement shows how changing tastes can rescue endangered grapes, while quality producers prove that Poulsard’s ethereal character offers a unique sensory experience. Whether enjoyed slightly chilled in summer or as an introduction to Jura’s distinctive wines, Poulsard rewards those willing to embrace its gentle, perfumed nature.

References

Robinson, J., Harding, J., & Vouillamoz, J. (2012). “Wine Grapes.” Ecco/HarperCollins. Publisher Link
Rosso, R. (2018). “Jura Wine.” Board & Bench Publishing. Publisher Link
VIVC Database. Variety Information.

Last updated: January 13, 2026