Les Domaines Henri Maire recommends some new tasting rituals

For its vin jaune and vin de paille, two icons of Jura winemaking  ! 

The journey through the land of wine is an infinite one, and the holy grail at the end of an initiation rite is the discovery of one of the world’s greatest wines, patiently aged under a veil of secrecy for years to produce a powerful, complex wine of great depth. This is vin jaune.

The path to attain the excellence of this liquid gold, derived from the dual processes of extraction and reduction, is a long and patient one, involving great passion. That is the price of achieving this incomparable golden-hued nectar from the vine – exactly six years and three months.

Its full, deep, extremely aromatic character can seem challenging to the novice, but will reveal itself quite naturally when served with dishes and cheeses from the Jura, where butter and cream are firm features. Comté cheese is definitely at home here!

But Les Domaines Henri Maire today suggest some new, surprising rituals, such as vin jaune over ice.

The glacial effect of a granite ice-cube will recall the mineral, dry character of the Jura, and avoids any dilution, preserving the integrity of the wine and underlining the incredible complexity of its aromas.

And for an unexpected experience, try vin jaune on sea: A drop in an oyster brings out the saltiness, and an accompanying glass evokes the geological epoch when the sea used to cover the Jura.

Then there’s the bronze color of vin de paille granita, a sensational clash of sweetness and cold, eternal snow in a glass. This icy crunch is a wonderful accompaniment for foie gras or a Roquefort-style cheese, or makes a refreshing break between courses. Or why not with a delicate chocolate from the celebrated Maison Hirsinger in Arbois, for the sheer pleasure?