Deciphering the mysteries of yellow wine

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!

FAQ - Vin jaune

Which grape is used to make Vin Jaune?

Vin Jaune is made from Savagnin, a white grape found mainly in the Jura. Despite its name, the starting grape is white rather than yellow.

How long is Vin Jaune aged in the barrel?

Vin Jaune is aged for six years and three months in a 228-litre barrel. This long ageing explains its golden colour, as the longer the wine stays in the barrel, the deeper its hue becomes.

What is the veil that forms on Vin Jaune?

During ageing, a thin veil of yeast forms on the surface of the wine. It prevents the liquid from oxidising in contact with air and shapes the wine's distinctive aromas.

Why does a bottle of Vin Jaune hold only 62 cl?

Vin Jaune comes in a clavelin, a 62 cl bottle, which is 13 cl less than a standard bottle. This amount matches the volume of wine left after six years of ageing under the veil.

Why is Vin Jaune called a meditation wine?

Its expressive nose reveals notes of honey, nuts, curry, apple and toasted bread. This aromatic complexity requires concentration, which is why Italians call Vin Jaune a meditation wine.