Jura
May 21, 2008
Chateau Chalon, Vin Jaune and Cotes du Jura
A Jura-nian Primer!
This is, admittedly, all a bit more complicated and esoteric than New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc. Here's what you should know.
Chateau Chalon is an appellation in the Jura, not to mention the name of the town. This is a tiny appellation - roughly 100 hectares total - and is only used for Vin Jaune. If a wine sourced from Chateau Chalon doesn't make it to Vin Jaune status, it must take the Cotes du Jura appellation. In other words, if it says Chateau Chalon, than it must be a Vin Jaune.
Vin Jaune literally means "yellow wine" and refers to an oxidized wine made from the Savagnin grape. Keep in mind that while the best Vin Jaunes come from Chateau Chalon, you'll also find Vin Jaune from Etoile, Cotes du Jura and Arbois.
Cotes du Jura is a larger appellation and is usually used for white wines based on either Chardonnay or Savagnin, though the two grapes are often blended and the Cotes du Jura does produce some very good Vin Jaunes.
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Posted by Joe Salamone at 3:02 PM
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