Château-Chalon is the cradle of the vin jaune, the only designation that is exclusively dedicated to it, but it is also found in the Arbois, Côtes du Jura and Etoile designation areas.
The vin jaune is made exclusively from Savagnin, a local grape variety with a thick skin capable of withstanding the first frosts, and which must be planted on the unique Jurassian blue marl terroir. After fermentation, the wine is aged in 228 litre barrels which are not completely filled. This leads to rapid oxidation and the appearance of special yeast strains which form a veil and, in the secrecy of the cellars, give rise to the vin jaune. The wine must then age in barrels for six years and three months, during which time it loses a significant amount of its volume, and develops its powerful aromas of nuts, almonds and spices.