Definition: Breakthrough of yellow wine

An event that takes place in the French Jura region at the beginning of February each year, six years and three months after the vintage of vin jaune is released onto the market. This long interval corresponds to the time that vin jaune spends maturing in barrels without topping up. This event attracts a huge number of visitors (45,000 in 2003). The region's winegrowers also make themselves known on this occasion, as does the local gastronomy with the famous poulet au vin jaune (chicken in yellow wine) and regional cheeses. Three AOCs are particularly highlighted: Château-Chalon, l'Étoile and Arbois, all yellow wines capable of ageing for 50 to 100 years without a wrinkle.