Oxidative-style white wines: Szamorodni and vin jaune

There are wines that the winemaker deliberately leaves in contact with air. These do not head towards the fresh, fruity style, but acquire a deeper, nuttier, spicier character.

Two well-known examples

Dry Szamorodni. Traditional dry Szamorodni matures in a barrel that is not topped up, often under a thin film of yeast, and acquires a nutty, spicy, sherry-like character.

Vin jaune. The yellow wine of France's Jura region belongs here too.

Not a fault but a style

These wines are not faulty: here the oxidative character is the essence of the style. Anyone expecting a fresh, fruity white wine may be surprised by them – but that is exactly why they are worth getting to know.