Jura and Savoie: Aging Laws

Question 1

What are the aging laws for Chateau Chalon AOP? Specializes in the traditional Vin Jaune or “yellow wines” of Jura.

Answer 1

After fermentation, Savagnin—also called Naturé—is kept in barrel until December 15 of the sixth year following the harvest. The wine is not topped off during this period, and a voile, or “veil,” develops. The voile is a film-forming yeast that covers the wine’s surface, similar to the flor of Jerez. The resulting wine is aldehydic, with nutty, almost curried flavor carried on a delicate, dry palate. Unlike Sherry, vin jaune is not fortified. Château Chalon wines must be bottled in a clavelin, a squat, 62-centiliter bottle, and represent the classic vin jaune style. In poor vintages like 1980 or 1984, the Château Chalon wines may be declassified to the less-specific Côtes du Jura AOP.

Question 2

What are the aging laws for Vin Paille wines of the Jura?

Answer 2

After fermentation, the wines are aged for a minimum three years before release, including an obligatory 18 months in neutral wood barrels.

Question 3

What are the aging laws for Cremant de Jura AOP?

Answer 3

The wines must spend a min. 9 months on the lees prior to dégorgement, and may not be released for a min. 12 months after the date of tirage
Min. 3.5 atmospheres of pressure

Question 4

What are the aging laws for Cremant de Savoie AOP?

Answer 4

The wines must spend a min. 9 months on the lees prior to dégorgement
Min. 3.5 atmospheres of pressure