Who makes it?

Domaine Badoz Vin Jaune has a very fine heritage. The Badoz family has been making wine in Jura for 10 generation. Indeed on the label it notes ‘since 1659’. Benoit is currently the estate’s custodian continuing the family tradition since 2003.

The domaine makes a range of whites from Chardonnay and Savagnin. And of course, red wines from Pinot noir and the native red grape Poulsard. 

How do they make it?

Domaine Badoz Vin Jaune is a controlled oxidised white wine made from Savagnin grapes. These grapes are picked and then crushed. Generally with Vin Jaune, the wine is fermented and then after some time it is moved into barrels. 

Badoz hold their wines in barrel for 6 years and 3 months. During that time the wine develops the much wanted ‘voile’ of yeast. This prevents the wine from oxidising further while developing addition complex characters. If this wine was a book, it would have more than enough plot twists and character development to keep you interested.

What does it taste like?

This is a mid lemon / gold colour, dry white wine. It smells of nuts, caramel, apple and fig. There is no doubt that these are lightly oxidised wine from just the aromas.  It is fuller in body and it has some tannin grip around the gums. The flavours are distinctly nutty (almonds), but also rather spicy. The wine finishes with a flourish that shows balance along a very long length. 

These wines are also very good candidates for the cellar. 

What to drink it with?

Don’t just stick to cheese with this wine. You can drink this wine with chicken or fish with creamy sauces. 

Cheese

There is a traditional match between Vin Jaune and older style Comté.  But I think also that blue cheese, particularly Stilton, will be good too.

Quickie review « Vin Jaune is a speciality dry white wine and one that is very moreish and spicy. »

Country of Origin:  AOC Côtes du Jura, France
Tasting Date: June 2025
Price:  UK £49 | €40 
Drink: now – 10+ years 
Needs food: no
Source: tasting

If you like unusual white wines from France, why not check out:
Pascal Jolivet Sauvage

Visit badoz for more.