3 Questions About Vin Jaune

Unraveling the Mysteries of Vin Jaune

1. Why Is Vin Jaune Yellow?

Contrary to what one might think, the grape used to make Vin Jaune is not yellow but white. It is the Savagnin grape, predominantly found in the Jura region. So, how does Vin Jaune acquire its yellow color, often referred to as the "gold of the Jura"? Initially, Vin Jaune undergoes the same process as a dry white wine. However, it is then aged in a 228-liter barrel for six years and three months. During this time, a thin veil of yeast forms on the liquid, preventing the wine from oxidizing when exposed to air. This extended aging process is what gives Vin Jaune its golden hue: the longer the wine ages in the barrel, the deeper the intensity of its color becomes.

2. What Are the Characteristics of Vin Jaune?

Now that you know a bit more about how Vin Jaune is made, let’s explore its unique characteristics and why it stands out from other wines. Beyond its distinctive winemaking process, Vin Jaune is notable for its aromatic profile. The aromas of Vin Jaune are diverse and evolving. Highly expressive and full of character, the nose of Vin Jaune reveals notes of honey, nuts, curry, apple, and toasted bread. This exceptional aromatic complexity leads Italians to describe Vin Jaune as a "meditative wine," one that requires concentration at first but offers "true pleasure to the senses" once its mysteries are uncovered.

3. Why Are Vin Jaune Bottles Smaller?

You’ve probably noticed that Vin Jaune bottles look quite different from those of other wines. These distinctive, rounded, thick bottles topped with a wide yellow cap are called "clavelins." They are also smaller than standard wine bottles, holding 62 cl (13 cl less than a standard bottle). This Jura tradition, named after its inventor, stems from the fact that only 62 cl of Vin Jaune remain at the end of its aging process. It’s a way for local winemakers to optimize their trade!