The appellation of Château-Chalon stands as the pinnacle of Jura's Vin Jaune production, a wine of unparalleled distinction and historical significance. This 2016 expression from GRAND, identified with "en Beaumont," represents a meticulous adherence to the region's exacting traditions.
True Vin Jaune is exclusively crafted from the Savagnin grape, cultivated on the region's distinctive blue and grey marl soils. Following fermentation, the wine undergoes a minimum of six years and three months of oxidative ageing in old oak barrels, beneath a naturally formed veil of yeast, known as the "flor" or "voile." This unique biological process imparts the wine's characteristic nutty, spicy, and complex aromatic profile, protecting it from excessive oxidation while allowing for a slow, transformative evolution. Bottled traditionally in a 62cl clavelin, this format underscores its rarity and the specific ageing requirements.
The 2016 vintage, having completed its extensive maturation, is now released, offering a profound insight into the terroir of Château-Chalon and the dedicated craftsmanship of its producers. This is a wine designed for contemplation and longevity, a testament to Jura's singular winemaking heritage.
Tasting notes
Pours a brilliant, deep golden hue. The nose is immediately captivating, revealing an intricate tapestry of aromas: toasted walnuts, curry spice, dried apricots, and subtle notes of mushroom and beeswax, underpinned by a distinctive rancio character. On the palate, it is intensely dry and concentrated, with a powerful yet elegant acidity that provides remarkable freshness and structure. Flavours of salted caramel, green apple, and exotic spices persist through an exceptionally long, savoury finish. This Vin Jaune is a profound and contemplative wine, ideally served with aged Comté cheese, morel mushrooms, or rich poultry dishes.