Domaine Daniel Dugois Vin Jaune 2005 Arbois Jura

Domaine Daniel Dugois Vin Jaune 2005 from Arbois in the Jura is stocked by the Caves de Pyrene and is a semi organic wine. It is a wine that is matured in a barrel under the same type of yeast called 'Flor' that is used in Jerez for sherry production. Vin Jaune means 'yellow wine' and is only made in the Jura region of France, due to its maturation it has a similar aroma to a dry fino sherry - but the big difference is that it is not fortified the alcohol level is 12.5%.
It is made from the Savagnin grape which is grown in the Jura, and is 'late harvested', harvested in October. The grapes started off by  being fermented slowly, kept in small old oak casks which hold 228 liters (60 gallons) and which were not topped up, evaporation leads to an air gap appearing above the wine. . A film of yeast grows over the wine, partially protecting it  from any oxidation but allows evaporation. In Jura, this film, called a voile or veil  is similar to a flor in Sherry production and has many similar properties but thrives better in a lower alcohol environment and so develops less heavily and thickly than "flor" does. This wine was aged for at least 6 years in this way (by law) The aromas and flavours associated with sherries is here.
This gold liquid has an oxidated colour ( yellowing) and has a yeasty, spicy aroma with an orange citric twist, encapsulated with a nuttiness. On tasting it - it is dry, fresh and the alcohol is well integrated. This light bodied 'white' wine has freshening acidity and some tannin - low but still obvious. Flavours of nuts, citric skin and yeast are apparent, and the length is long and nutty and rich with a bitter marmalade finish. Drink in the same way as you would a sherry,  with cheese and nuts, and in the Jura it will often accompany a dish that it has been used as one of the ingredients!