2017 Domaine Baud Côtes du Jura Vin Jaune

Domaine Baud is a family business that was founded in 1742 and is now run by the 9th generation. Baud makes wines that showcase the many facets of the French Jura region. Baud makes wines in the oxidative style characteristic of the Jura and wines in a non-oxidative, Burgundian style. In addition to Chardonnay, the indigenous grapes Savagnin, Poulsard and Trousseau are used. The wines are competitively priced, especially when you consider that the wines are aged in wood for a particularly long time.

The Savagnin grapes for the Baud Côtes du Jura Vin Jaune come from the Côtes du Jura appellation. The soils here contain a lot of marl and limestone. This Vin Jaune from the Jura is made in an oxidative style ('sous voile'). The grapes are fermented in stainless steel tanks. The Savagnin matures in 228 liter oak barrels. These barrels are only partially filled and the yeasts in the air create a 'flor' layer: a thin layer of yeast cells that seals the wine from the air and gives the wine its typical nutty, salty taste. In order not to break this layer, the barrel is not replenished with new wine. Maturation takes about 7 years. The wine is finally bottled in a 62 cl 'Clavelin' bottle, typical of Vin Jaune.

In the glass, the Baud Côtes du Jura Vin Jaune is a deep golden yellow with a complex scent on the nose including notes of almond, flowers, salt and curry. This special, unique wine has many layers and is distinct and idiosyncratic. Rich and powerful with a very long aftertaste. Delicious with old, matured Comté. Do not drink this Vin Jaune cold. Ideal is 14-16 °C

ABOUT VIN JAUNE

Vin Jaune is a unique and famous wine from the Jura region in eastern France. Here are some key aspects of this special wine:

Origin and Production

• Region : Vin Jaune comes from the Jura, a small wine region located between Burgundy and Switzerland.
• Grape : The wine is made exclusively from the Savagnin grape, a white grape variety that thrives particularly well in the Jura terroir.
• Fermentation and Maturation : After fermentation, the wine is aged for at least six years and three months in oak barrels without top-up (ouillage). This creates a layer of flor (a type of yeast layer) on the surface of the wine, similar to the production of Sherry. This layer protects the wine from oxidation and gives it unique aromas.

Characteristics

• Color : The wine has a deep golden color, from which it owes its name "Vin Jaune" (yellow wine).
• Aroma and Taste : Vin Jaune is known for its complex aromas of nuts (especially walnuts), spices, ripe fruits, and a hint of curry or cumin. The taste is dry, powerful and has a long aftertaste with a remarkable mineral freshness.
• Storage : Due to the long maturation and the unique production, Vin Jaune is very resistant to aging. It can be stored for decades and continues to develop in the bottle.

Serving advice

• Dishes : Vin Jaune goes well with rich dishes such as coq au vin jaune, Comté cheese (another Jura specialty), dishes with cream sauce and exotic spices. It also goes well with foie gras and truffles.
• Serving temperature : The wine is best served at a temperature of 14-16°C, slightly warmer than most white wines, to fully reveal the complex aromas.

Particularities

• Clavelin : Vin Jaune is traditionally bottled in a special type of bottle called "clavelin", which has a capacity of 620 ml. This is a reference to the fact that after long maturation only about 62% of the original amount of wine remains due to evaporation (the so-called "angel's share").

Vin Jaune is a wine worth discovering for its unique character and long tradition. It is a perfect choice for wine lovers looking for something special and distinctive.