Macvin du Jura PDO

Macvin, a 100% Jura liqueur wine

The Jura vineyards offer products with a distinct personality. Alongside the traditional vin jaune and vin de paille, there is a most original liqueur wine: macvin. This has had an AOC since 1991, a recognition that consecrates a know-how dating back to the 14th century. Macvin is a skilful blend of must and Jura marc brandy, through which a concentration of local grape varieties is expressed: Savagnin, but also Chardonnay, Trousseau, Poulsard and Pinot Noir. Aromatic and complex, this mistelle can be enjoyed as an aperitif or with dessert.

General presentation of Macvin

Macvin is produced throughout the AOC vineyards of the Jura. However, it represents only 3% of the production. This emblematic liqueur wine from this region of eastern France has had an AOC since 1991. It regulates very strict production conditions.

This 100% Jura product is the result of blending Jura marc brandy and unfermented must. Both of these ingredients must come from the same farm. To stop the alcoholic fermentation of the juice, 1/3 of marc is added. This eau-de-vie is "stale", i.e. it has been aged for a long time, in this case at least 18 months in oak barrels. This addition of marc inhibits the yeasts and stops the alcoholic fermentation: the wine is then said to be "mutated"; this mutation is also necessary for the production of natural sweet wines and other liqueur wines.

Before being marketed, the macvin is left to rest for at least a year in oak barrels. It must be between 16 and 22°.

Characteristics of Macvin

All the Jura grape varieties can be used in the composition of Macvin. It is mainly available in white: in this case, it uses the typical Savagnin or Chardonnay. It is also available in red and rosé, in which case Trousseau, Poulsard (or Plousard) and Pinot Noir are used.

Each plot, each grape variety, each winemaker offers a unique macvin. It is usually drunk as a white wine. It is distinguished by its intense golden yellow colour. The white macvin also offers a powerful and complex aromatic bouquet in which fruits like mirabelle plum and pear dominate. Dried and candied fruits are also very present, as well as certain spices: cinnamon, cloves, aniseed... Notes of caramel and nuts further enrich the tasting, especially when the Savagnin is involved.

A red macvin can be recognised by its tile-like colour. It also offers aromas of grapes and dried fruits. The rosé wines, with their pale colour, have a fruity nose, with notes of grape and morello cherry.

Macvin can be kept for up to 25 years depending on the product.

How to taste a Macvin

This liqueur wine should be drunk chilled, at a temperature of between 9 and 11°. It is perfect as an aperitif or with dessert.

A macvin goes perfectly with local specialities. Pair it with cubes of Comté cheese, grapes and nuts for a perfect and tasty match. It also goes well with Comté gougères, cheese cakes, and melon with a chiffonade of smoked ham from the Haut-Doubs.

For dessert, serve a macvin to enhance fresh fruit-based desserts. It also goes well with chocolate, caramel and nut flavoured sweets, etc.