Arbois Pupillin Vin Jaune 1989 Pierre Overnoy

Vin Jaune by Pierre Overnoy: The Purest Expression of the Jura

Pierre Overnoy’s Vin Jaune is one of the most iconic natural oxidative wines in the world. Produced in the heart of Pupillin in the Jura region, it embodies a poetic and uncompromising winemaking philosophy rooted in time, nature, and tradition.

History and Philosophy

Pierre Overnoy has been a pioneer of natural winemaking since the 1970s, producing wines without chemical additives, sulfur, or filtration. His Vin Jaune is a spiritual elevation of Savagnin, Jura’s emblematic white grape.

Made without any sulfites and aged under a natural veil of yeast in old barrels for over six years, the wine expresses a unique and ancestral profile — full of life and soulful depth.

Vineyard and Terroir

The grapes come from Pupillin, a village with some of the most prestigious vineyards in the Jura. The soils are rich in blue and grey marl, ideal for Savagnin.

Farming is biodynamic and organic, with extremely low yields and complete manual care. The cool continental climate and altitude contribute to the grape’s vibrancy and aging potential.

Winemaking and Aging

Vinification is entirely natural and spontaneous, with fermentation occurring via indigenous yeasts. The wine is aged for over six years and three months in old barrels without topping up (sous voile), allowing a thin layer of yeast to protect the wine and develop complex aromas.

This method, traditional in the Jura, is essential to the wine’s oxidative and savory character.

Tasting Notes

A wine of meditation, tension, and incredible depth:

Color: Deep golden yellow with amber hues.
Nose: Layers of walnut, curry, saffron, dried apple, hay, and oriental spices.
Palate: Dry, saline, vibrant, with notes of dried fruit, old wood, and a very long, nutty finish.

Grape Variety

• 100% Savagnin

Serving Temperature and Alcohol Content

Serving temperature: 14–16°C (57–61°F)
Alcohol content: Approx. 14% ABV

Food Pairings

A perfect match for rich, umami-packed dishes and bold flavors:

• Volaille aux morilles (chicken with morel mushroom cream)

• Aged cheeses: Comté (24–36 months)

• Foie gras or mushroom terrines

• Tajine or mild curries

• Gratinated shellfish or bisques

E-commerce Details – Vin Jaune Pierre Overnoy

Wine: Vin Jaune
Producer: Pierre Overnoy
Appellation: AOC Arbois-Pupillin Vin Jaune
Grapes: 100% Savagnin
Bottle Size: 620 ml (Clavelin)
Vintage: Varies (check label)
Alcohol: Approx. 14% ABV
Serving Temp: 14–16°C
Winemaking: Wild fermentation, aged 6+ years in untopped barrels under yeast veil, no sulfur added
Style: Natural, oxidative, dry, structured
Suggested Pairings: Aged cheese, creamy mushroom dishes, foie gras, mild curry
Availability: Extremely limited

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Maison Pierre Overnoy: An Icon of Uniqueness and Tradition in Jura

Maison Pierre Overnoy is a winery that embodies the essence of natural and traditional winemaking in the Jura, a lesser-known French wine region that has gained increasing recognition for its unique wines. Founded by the legendary Pierre Overnoy, the winery is renowned for its meticulous attention to grape quality and an approach that avoids industrial practices in favor of methods that respect nature and the terroir.

History and Philosophy

The story of Maison Pierre Overnoy is deeply linked to Pierre Overnoy, who in 1970 decided to move to the heart of Jura to recover old vineyards and preserve local winemaking traditions. His philosophy has always been based on natural winemaking, avoiding the use of chemicals, using native yeasts, and allowing spontaneous fermentation. This attention to detail and rejection of modern techniques made Pierre Overnoy one of the pioneers of natural winemaking in France.

Today, the winery is run by Pierre’s son, Emmanuel Overnoy, who has continued his father’s legacy by maintaining traditional agricultural practices and a meticulous focus on terroir. The result is a range of wines that express the purity and complexity of Jura with a unique vision.

Vineyard and Terroir

The vineyards of Maison Pierre Overnoy are located in an area characterized by a continental climate, with hot summers and cold winters, and calcareous and clayey soils that help the growth of native varieties like Savagnin and Chardonnay. The Jura region has always maintained a strong connection to local agricultural traditions, and wines produced here are known for their freshness, minerality, and the distinctive character of the soil.

The vines are cultivated according to organic principles, without the use of pesticides or chemical fertilizers, and with management that respects the rhythms of nature. This rigorous approach has allowed the winery to produce wines that are an authentic expression of the terroir, without compromise.

Winemaking and Production Philosophy

Winemaking at Maison Pierre Overnoy is the result of years of experience and dedication to natural methods. Each bottle is the product of a process that aims to preserve the authenticity of the fruit and the character of the terroir. Grapes are harvested by hand, and in most cases, fermentation occurs in wooden barrels, without the addition of selected yeasts. Aging is also carried out in used wooden barrels, allowing the wine to evolve naturally without the influence of new oak flavors.

This practice of spontaneous fermentation and long aging makes the wines of the winery particularly interesting for natural wine lovers and those who appreciate traditional winemaking styles. Pierre Overnoy’s wines are often characterized by a strong minerality, lively acidity, and a complexity that develops with age.

The Wines of Maison Pierre Overnoy

The wines of Maison Pierre Overnoy are a celebration of the quality of Jura. Among the most famous is the Savagnin, a variety that, due to its unique character, has captured the attention of many wine enthusiasts. This wine stands out for its freshness, salinity, and a characteristic “oxidative note” that makes it incredibly distinctive. Another iconic wine from the winery is Chardonnay, which is more elegant and delicate but still retains that mineral note typical of Jura terroirs.

The winery also produces Vin Jaune, a wine strongly tied to Jura tradition, which is aged for many years in wooden barrels without a lid, creating a natural oxidation that gives the wine a unique and powerful character.

Conclusion

Maison Pierre Overnoy is a beacon in the world of natural winemaking. Its wines, though difficult to find due to their limited production, are considered among the best examples of natural winemaking in France. Each bottle tells a story of tradition, passion, and respect for the terroir. If you are fortunate enough to taste one of their wines, you will witness a unique experience that reflects an authentic approach to winemaking.