Domaine des Marnes Blanches Vin de Paille 2014 (375 ml)

Country: France

Region: Jura

Type: White Wine

Grape: Savagnin/Chardonnay/Poulsard

Vin de Paille literally means straw wine, referring to the traditional practice of drying the grapes in boxes lined with straw mats prior to pressing. This is a style of wine commonly confused with or mistaken for Vin Jaune, yet is wildly different in every way.

There are strict rules as to what Vin de Paille is, and within those confines, many unique styles arise. Pauline and Géraud Fromont at Domaine des Marnes Blanches make theirs with a blend of Savagnin, Chardonnay, and Poulsard and allow them to raisin over the course of five months before a long pressing. The wine is then aged 36 months.

The nose has notes of brown sugar, dried figs, stewed black cherries, tea, cardamom, and a piquant, briny quality. Though it has quite a bit of residual sugar, the acidity keeps this wine from being overly sweet.