AOC Macvin du Jura

History of the AOC Macvin-du-Jura

Macvin-du-Jura is an ancient liqueur wine, a testament to the rich viticultural heritage of the Jura region. Its history dates back to the 14th century, making it one of the oldest wines in the area. Recognized as an AOC since 1991, Macvin-du-Jura preserves a unique craftsmanship where the grape must is fortified with marc (a type of pomace brandy) from the Jura, then aged for at least 10 months in oak barrels to produce this exceptional nectar.

Climate and Terroir of the AOC Macvin-du-Jura

Climate: The Jura has a continental climate with mountainous influences, leading to cold winters and hot, but often rainy, summers.

Soils: The soil is varied, composed of marls, clays, and limestones, contributing to the richness and complexity of the wines.

Key Grape Varieties of the AOC Macvin-du-Jura

The traditional grape varieties of the Jura, such as Chardonnay and Savagnin for whites, and Poulsard, Trousseau, and Pinot Noir for reds and rosés, are used for the production of Macvin.

Style of AOC Macvin-du-Jura Wines

Red:

• Appearance: Deep red color with amber reflections due to the addition of brandy.
• Aromas: Rich, combining ripe red fruits, spices, and woody or nutty notes typical of the Jura.
• Taste: Opulent, with a balance between the natural sweetness of the grape and a warm finish.

White:

• Appearance: Bright golden color with green reflections.
• Aromas: Notes of white flowers, honey, almond, white-fleshed fruits, and exotic fruits, with occasional oxidative touches (nuts).
• Taste: An explosion of flavors, combining sweetness and liveliness, with a long and aromatic finish.

Rosé:

• Appearance: Pale pink color.
• Aromas: Scents of jammy red fruits (morello cherry), rose, and citrus.
• Taste: Generous and balanced between the freshness of the fruit and the warmth of the alcohol, with a very indulgent palate.

Potential for Aging: Macvin-du-Jura has an excellent aging potential, which can extend up to 30 years or more, depending on the domaine.

Best Food Pairings with AOC Macvin-du-Jura Wines

Here are some recommendations for pairing dishes with a bottle of sweet wine from a domain or château in AOC Macvin-du-Jura:

White Sweet Wine:

• Foie gras d’oie
• Galette jurassienne
• Rhubarb tart

Red Sweet Wine:

• Gingerbread
• Rum-raisin ice cream
• Caramel pork

Rosé Sweet Wine:

• Raspberry tartlets
• Melon with cured ham

How Macvin Is Made, From Harvest to Release

Muting, which turns grape must into a vin de liqueur (a fortified wine), takes place during harvest as the grapes come in. For a white Macvin, the must comes mainly from chardonnay and savagnin, as with white wines from the Jura. It is never filtered or enriched, and stored must is not allowed. It may have started fermenting but still needs at least 153 grams of sugar per liter when the brandy, about a third of the blend, goes in.

The brandy is already mature. It is at least 52% ABV, comes from distillations older than the season before the muting, and has spent at least 14 months in oak casks. Across the Jura wine region, the vast majority of producers still distill their own pomace. They use a still design specific to the Jura, a closed cylinder packed with Raschig rings, with no rectification setting, which concentrates the character of the marc.

Must and brandy are blended thoroughly, left to rest, then aged in oak. The fresh-grape aromas meet those of a mellowed brandy: orange peel, quince, candied fruit, or raisins often lead, while the marc stays in the background. On the palate, the wine is smooth and rich, with sugar and alcohol in balance. Macvin du Jura can go on sale from September 1 of the year after the harvest.

Frequently Asked Questions About Macvin du Jura

What is the alcohol content of Macvin du Jura?

Macvin du Jura is 16 to 22% ABV once it is ready for sale. That strength comes mainly from the marc brandy added to the fresh grape must.

Which color of Macvin du Jura is most common?

White Macvin du Jura is by far the most common: in 2020, it made up more than 80% of the roughly 6,000 hectoliters produced by 160 growers. Red and rosé versions are therefore much less common.

How is Macvin different from vin jaune and vin de paille?

Macvin du Jura is the only one of the three that is a vin de liqueur, made by adding marc brandy to grape must. Vin jaune (“yellow wine”) and vin de paille (“straw wine”) are Jura wines made without that addition. Our article on vin jaune, vin de paille, and Macvin explains how each one is made.

Where does the name Macvin come from?

The name Macvin comes from old local names, “maquevin” and “marc-vin,” which point to the marc brandy used to make it. For a long time, it stayed a mostly homemade drink, enjoyed locally on festive occasions.

Where can I buy Macvin du Jura direct from the winemaker?

You can buy Macvin du Jura direct from the winemaker on Avenue des Vins. Each bottle ships from the producer who made it, with no middleman.

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