So, a few months later and I still have yet to find a Ploussard in Chicago to drink, much less sell. Alas. I have hope, though.
Now, however, I am expanding my obsession and thirst to the real quirky wine of Jura…Vin Jaune. Specific to the Jura wine region, vin jaune is the French term for ‘yellow wine’. This wine is similar to sherry, aged in small oak barrels under a film of ‘voile’, a local yeast, but NOT fortified. Crafted from late harvest Savagnin grapes, an aromatic variety quite reminiscent of a tamer Gewurztraminer. The wine must age for a minimum of six years and three months prior to bottling, and the barrels are never topped off nor fortified with neutral spirits, lending to an oxidized note that is tempered by the mellow, nutty affects of the voile. Vin Jaune is bottled in special vessels, clavelins, that are 62 cL. [After 6 years and 3 months, from every liter of juice, only 62 cL remain].
Vin Jaune is rich, concentrated, and exceptional in aging capacity. And, although I have yet to put this delectable nectar in my mouth, the flavors are said to be characteristic of baked apple, almond skin, walnut, and baking spices.
Back to the hunt…holler if you have any laying around that you would like to share.
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Tags: France, Jura, lush wine, Rachel, Savagnin, Sherry, vin jaune, voile, yeast