Vin Jaune is a rare wine that belongs in every collection.
Vin Jaune (yellow wine in French) is made only in the eastern Savoie region of France in the Jura wine region and is a regional speciality crafted from the local indigenous white Savagnin grape.
There is a legend that recounts its creation as an accident. A barrel of aging wine was lost in the back of a winemaker's cellar, and it was only several years later that he discovered it. Under a veil of Yeast, the partially empty barrel had created the first Vin Jaune. We can never say whether the story is true or not, but it started the legend that it would be.
Vin Jaune is made in the appellations of C?tes de Jura, Etoile, Arbois, and Chateau-Chalon. Some of the very best examples of Vin Jaune come from the Chateau-Chalon appellation.
How is the making of Vin Jaune so unique??
Vin Jaune is made solely from late-harvest Savagnin, a local white indigenous grape variety belonging to the Traminer grape family; it is less aromatic than the more popular and well-known Gewürztraminer varietal.
Grapes are hand-harvested around mid or late October once they have developed enough sugar to create higher alcohol levels in the final wine.
After pressing, the wine is fermented and transferred into 228-litre Burgundian barrels to age.
By law, the wine must mature for at least six years and three months before it is bottled and released.
The 'Angels Share' is crucial for Vin Jaune to be created as it is the key to forming the Yeast Layer. As wine ages for several years, it evaporates; typically, a winemaker tops the barrels up to fill the gap, but for Vin Jaune, it is not disturbed.?
The effects are twofold:?
Why does this matter??
Well, remember the Yeasts above? They need specific conditions to grow, but the two principles are alcohol levels of 15% and access to fresh oxygen to survive and thrive. Professor Jamie Goode Explains in further detail here: https://wineanorak.com/2020/06/05/the-science-of-flor-whats-that-growing-on-my-wine/
This layer of Yeast is called the "sous voile", which translates to "under the veil," or what, for Sherry winemaking, is named Flor.?
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What does the "sous voile" do to the wine??
Biological aging, used for Fino and Manzanilla Sherries, involves aging wines under a veil of flor yeast. This process protects the wine from oxidation, lowers glycerol levels (and hence body).
The temperature of the aging area can significantly affect the final aromas of the wine. If the wine ages in cooler temperatures, it will have notes of almonds, walnuts, and apples and be lighter in color. If it is aged in hot conditions, it will be deeper yellow in color and express spicy notes such as distinct nuttiness and cloves.
Other Considerations:?
Barrels are re-used once they have been emptied as the remnants of Yeast from the previous batch help to accelerate the development of the "voile "in future production.
Wines are often blended, expressing the characteristics of both aging methods.?
The final wine is medium to full-bodied with an ABV between 13-15%.?
Vin Jaune V Sherry – What are the differences?
Vin Jaune should appeal to you, especially if you enjoy Sherry. Similar in style to Sherry, its bone-dry characteristics can be enjoyed on its own or with a meal, pairing well with different rich sauces, mature cheeses, and heartier dishes. One difference is that Sherry is fortified after fermentation by adding a neutral alcohol of 15-18%. Sherry is then left to age for a minimum of two years. All Vin Jaune must age under the "voile", but not all sherries under "flor".?
How long can you keep Vin Jaune?
Vin Jaune has fantastic ageing potential—100 or more years. As the wine ages, it will become even more intense and complex, taking on persistent notes of Sotolon (aromas of lovage and fenugreek seeds), a typical characteristic of Vin Jaune.
Why should Vin Jaune be in your wine collection?
Vin Jaune it is bone dry, with a bold molten gold-yellow color. It has a crisp, complex aroma profile filled with subtle nuances that cause an explosion of your sensory abilities, creating an unforgettable pleasure that is almost impossible to describe. Still, the taste will permanently imprint itself onto your palate. Vin Jaune is perfect for those with a discerning palate wishing to explore an exceptional wine style. It is a must for any wine lover's collection.