Definition: Unfiltered (wine)

Winemaking and bottling technique on lees, without filtration. The production of unfiltered wines is widespread in the canton of Neuchâtel, which has made it a speciality. From the third Wednesday in January, the unfiltered wine from the previous year's harvest is released onto the market. In the bottle, the lees collect in a light brown deposit called "la mouche" (the fly). Before opening the bottle, it must be turned upside down and shaken a few times to distribute the lees evenly throughout the bottle. Neuchâtel's unfiltered wine (Chasselas) has a delicate, fruity and mineral nose and a delicious, flavourful palate. It is a refreshing and healthy white wine (see lees). Contrary to popular belief, unfiltered wine can be kept in the bottle for several years without losing any of its youthfulness, thanks precisely to the suspended lees, which act as a real support for the aromas.