How should you drink Vin Jaune?

Practical tips for enjoying yellow wine

To appreciate the yellow wine, care must be taken with its storage and the temperature at which it is served. It is also important to choose the right dishes to pair with it. In fact, Vin Jaune pairs perfectly with a variety of foods, provided you know how to select them. You should also consider the temperature at which the wine is served in order to fully appreciate its flavor.

Discovering Vin Jaune

Little known to most consumers, the yellow wine is one of the most renowned dry white wines in the world. It is made from a single grape variety, Savarin. It is produced in the Jura region, hence its nickname, "the Gold of the Jura." According to some legends, this wine was discovered by chance. 
It owes its reputation and distinctive character to its production method, which is both unique and mysterious. Indeed, following fermentation, it must be aged for 6 years and 90 days in a small oak barrel without topping up. The production process involves constantly topping up the barrel during aging. This is necessary to replenish the air lost through evaporation, which accounts for 40% of the wine’s volume. This phenomenon is known as “the angels’ share,” as the barrel also takes its share. Thanks to this unique process, this type of white wine develops an oxidized aroma. 
Another distinctive feature is that it is sold in a 62-cl bottle commonly known as a "Clavelin." The appellations for this wine include Arbois, Côtes du Jura, Château-Chalon, and Étoile.

Wine and Food Pairings

Many wine lovers enjoy drinking it on its own. Yet, when paired with the right dishes, it offers an unparalleled taste. However, What to eat with Vin Jaune ? There’s a wide selection, but a few dishes really stand out. 
Served as an aperitif, this wine pairs well with an appetizer of snails and hard cheeses such as Beaufort, Comté, and Emmental. It also pairs perfectly with fresh walnuts, dried fruits, or foie gras. 
Although it pairs well with all kinds of cured meats, its pairing with pata negra offers a unique taste experience. In this regard, the wine and this cured meat have the advantage of sharing many commonalities. One of the most striking is their production methods. In fact, pata negra is aged for a year and a half before it is ready to eat. Thanks to their aromatic similarities, pairing the two guarantees an unparalleled taste experience. The salty flavor of this Spanish ham perfectly complements the warm, aromatic character of the Arbois Vin Jaune as an accompaniment. 
This rich, full-bodied wine is an excellent choice to pair with mushrooms, especially those with a creamy texture. For a more unique and exotic pairing, this wine goes well with spicy fish or poultry dishes.

Wine Tasting

How to drink Vin Jaune ? This is a common and valid question that many wine lovers ask themselves. This golden-yellow wine is best served slightly chilled, at a temperature of around 15°C to 18°C. This coolness will help bring out its various aromas. In fact, don’t be surprised if your guests are amazed when you open the bottle. Like you, they’ll be astonished by the unique flavor this wine offers. The serving temperature of Vin Jaune plays a major role in the tasting experience. 
According to some experts in the field, it is best to open the bottle at least 12 hours in advance. This process will ensure a unique tasting experience. Since this wine is quite refined, it is best served at a higher temperature than ordinary wines. However, the temperature should not exceed 20°C, as this will detract from the grape variety’s complexity and richness. 
Consumers often believe that wines meant to be enjoyed chilled should be served at a very low temperature. This is a misconception, as doing so prevents the aromas from fully developing.

Storing Vin Jaune

Store your Jura wine in a storage area designated for this purpose, if you have one. It is essential that this area be cool, well-ventilated, and dry. Ensure that the temperature remains between 4°C and 15°C. This will allow your wine to continue aging while retaining its alcohol content. Ideally, this type of wine should not be stored with other beverages. It should also not be stored in metal crates. This wine can be stored for up to a century without losing its texture or aroma. 
Once opened, Jura wine can be stored like white wine, since it is made from white grapes. When opened, the contents will be exposed to the air. If you can’t finish the bottle, be sure to reseal it. You can use the original cork. However, there are other options available. For this purpose, you can choose between a screw cap, which is more convenient, or an “air pump” stopper. 
Like other wines, Jura wine thrives in the dark. Therefore, it is essential that you store it away from light, especially direct sunlight, as this will alter its taste.

Buying Vin Jaune

Since this is a unique grape variety, the price of yellow wine is more or less expensive than similar products. Unlike traditional wine, it is not available in supermarkets or grocery stores. 
The best way to find it is to go directly to an experienced wine merchant. This grape variety is not yet widely available on the market, so only a small number of consumers and producers are familiar with it. This wine may also be sold by the glass at certain bars. However, expect the prices at these establishments to be quite high. 
Like any alcoholic beverage, no matter how delicious it may be, Jura wine should be enjoyed in moderation.