2019 Domaine Baud Côtes du Jura Vin Jaune

Domaine Baud is a family business founded in 1742 and now run by the 9th generation. Baud produces wines that clearly showcase the many facets of the French Jura region. Baud makes wines in the oxidative style characteristic of the Jura, as well as 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 considering that they undergo exceptionally long oak aging.

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 ages in 228-liter oak barrels. These barrels are only partially filled, creating a 'flor' layer due to the yeasts in the air: a thin layer of yeast cells that seals the wine off from the air and gives it its typical nutty, salty flavor. To avoid breaking this layer, the barrel is not topped up with new wine. The aging process lasts about 7 years. Finally, the wine is bottled in a 62 cl 'Clavelin' bottle, typical of Vin Jaune.

In the glass, the Baud Côtes du Jura Vin Jaune is deep golden yellow, with a complex aroma on the nose featuring notes of almond, flowers, salt, and curry, among others. This special, unique wine has great depth and is pronounced and distinctive. Rich and powerful with a very long finish. Delicious with aged, matured Comté. Do not drink this Vin Jaune chilled. Ideally, it 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 Aging : After fermentation, the wine is aged for a minimum of six years and three months in oak barrels without topping 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 against oxidation and imparts unique aromas.

Features

• Color : The wine has a deep golden color, to 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 fruit, and a hint of curry or cumin. The taste is dry, powerful, and has a long finish with a remarkable mineral freshness.
• Storage : Due to the long maturation and unique production method, Vin Jaune is highly resistant to aging. It can be stored for decades and continues to develop in the bottle.

Serving suggestion

• Dishes : Vin Jaune pairs excellently with rich dishes such as coq au vin jaune, Comté cheese (another specialty from the Jura), and 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 allow the complex aromas to fully develop.

Details

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

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