Oxidative wine comes from exposure to air during ageing. As a result, oxidative wine has distinctive aromas (apple, dried fruit, coffee, and so on). To obtain an oxidative wine, ageing is done in partly empty barrels stored in the open air, or in demijohns exposed to the sun. Such wines are found mainly in the Jura, the Roussillon, in Spain or in Madeira.
What is an oxidative wine?
To understand what an oxidative wine is, you first have to be able to define it. In a few lines, you will become an expert. We will then help you understand the methods for making this wine. Finally, we will cover the storage of oxidative wine.
Definition of oxidative wine
Oxidative wine is a wine that has undergone oxygenation during its ageing by being in contact with air. It is characterised by very precise aromas of apple, dried fruit, or coffee.
How to make an oxidative wine?
There are two main methods for making these wines. They vary depending on the production region. First, vin jaune and sherry are “veil” wines (an expression referring to their production method). A veil wine is necessarily an oxidative wine; the reverse is not necessarily true. To obtain such wines, the liquid is first placed in barrels. For classic wines, the barrels are topped up as the liquid evaporates (topping up). Oxidative wines, on the other hand, do not benefit from this process. As a result, they are increasingly in contact with air and the wine then undergoes oxygenation. The ageing continues for more than 6 years before it can be bottled. There is also a second method for making these wines (mainly used for Maury or Rivesaltes). This method involves placing the wine in demijohns and storing them outside. Exposed to the sun and to temperature variations, these demijohns allow the wine to oxygenate.
Storage of oxidative wine
Oxidative wine can be kept for decades without any problem. Its production method naturally protects it from oxidation, since it has already been in contact with oxygen for a long time. So do not be afraid to buy cases of it and store them.
How to recognise an oxidative wine?
Oxidative wine is extremely recognisable. To recognise such a wine, you can start by focusing on its colour. It is generally very intense and of very distinctive shades. You will find a golden colour for white wines and a tawny red for red wines. Such colours are very good clues for guessing the origin of this wine. This wine also has a very recognisable aromatic profile. On the nose, you will discover apples, dried fruit or coffee. Such aromas can tell you that it is surely an oxidative wine. Finally, on the palate, these wines are characterised above all by an important richness. With these wines, say goodbye to acidity. You will feel a very present sensation of richness on the palate and very persistent aromas. If you come across all these elements, it means you are surely facing an oxidative wine. All you have to do then is enjoy it, and all we have to do is wish you a great time tasting this wine.
Food and wine pairings with an oxidative wine
First of all, before drinking it, remember to aerate it (and not decant this wine) at least two hours before serving. The ideal serving temperature is around 14°C: such a wine should not be drunk too cold. Oxidative wine pairs very well with poultry. A vin jaune from the Jura will work wonders with a fattened hen or any other large poultry. For example, vin jaune and Christmas capon make an excellent pairing. It is often a pairing that surprises guests, since these wines are still little known. There is no doubt, however, that they will delight you. On the cheese side, oxidative wine also works wonders. Pair this wine with an aged Comté. There is nothing to add on this front, except that with such a cheese and such a wine, you will work wonders. It is up to you to try it, and you will tell us all about it. Finally, for dessert, oxidative wine pairs with chocolate. Preferably, try to choose a dark chocolate with nice notes of acidity. The richness of the wine will then go extremely well with it. You do not have to choose the chocolate as is; you can also make it into a mousse. That said, make sure your dessert is light enough so as not to weigh your guests down with too much richness.
The best-known oxidative wines
Mas Amiel, located in the Roussillon, is one of the best-known oxidative wines. In particular, the estate exposes its bottles in large demijohns equivalent to 60-litre bottles. The wine then stays in ageing for a year and is therefore exposed to sunlight and temperature variations. This ancestral method of ageing wine produces very distinctive wines that are recognisable among all. The Jura is also known for its vins jaunes. In particular, Théodore, wine merchant at Le Barav, told us about the Domaine des Cavarodes by Etienne Thiebaud. That is sure to be a real treat. Finally, sherry (Spanish wine) is known to be a very distinctive oxidative wine, typical of its production regions. Are you going to do a tasting of such a wine? Send us a message to let us know your impressions. We will naturally add them to this article afterwards.
Oxidative wine now holds no secrets for you. We are delighted. That said, we can bring you much more. Good news, you can join the club for free and learn about wine simply.
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