Today we write about one of the really electric houses in Southern Oregon. Sure, the overall consistency of this region has work to do. But in terms of sparkling wines from this region, these new releases Maison Jussiaume are going to really impress any Oregon bubbles aficionado.
I last tasted these wines several years ago during a wine country report for Southern Oregon. Maison Jussiaume was founded back in 2005 by Jean-Michel Jussiaume. The founder grew up farming Muscadet and migrated to Southern Oregon to make wines for Del Rio Vineyards. He saw the potential of making excellent sparkling wines from this vineyard that had old vine Chardonnay planted. Wines from his house come from massive, 320 acre vineyard that I have visited. The location is nestled between the mountains and the Rogue River, with elevations ranging from 700 feet to 1700 feet. The soils are mostly alluvial and well-drained, and the high elevation leads to incredible diurnal shifts.
The wines were the best that I have tasted yet from this house. I adored the 2019 Maison Jussaiume ‘Blanc de Blancs’ Sparkling Wine (OB, 92) which is bright and tension-filled, with a beautiful mousse. This is serious Blanc de Blancs. Learn more at https://www.maisonjussiaume.com and here are my reviews of the new Maison Jussiaume wines.
2021 Maison Jussaiume ‘Oeil de Perdrix’ Rose Sparkling Wine-The 2021 Maison Jussaiume ‘Oeil de Perdrix’ Rose Sparkling Wine is a blend of equal parts Chardonnay and Pinot Noir all coming from the Rogue Valley. Really faint bubbles greet you as flavors of strawberry, guava and pear greet you. Drink 2024-2029- 90
2019 Maison Jussaiume ‘Blanc de Blancs’ Sparkling Wine- Made entirely from Chardonnay grapes, this 2019 offers oyster shell and lemon rind on the palate with a silky mousse and serious elegance. Medium-bodied, with loads of mouth-watering acidity, this is a remarkable effort from this slightly cooler vintage. Drink 2024-2030- 92