Macvin du Jura
Another example of the long tradition of wine and spirits in France, and another example that there is more to libation from the grape than wine. Macvin de Jura is the AOC for the unique Macvin "wine" produced in the Jura region of eastern France. I use quotations because it can hardly be called wine as we know it. The juice and must of Savagnin grapes are reduced in half by boiling, and the resulting liquid is then fortified with brandy. Once the "wine" reaches 16% alcohol by volume it is placed in oak casks to age for six years. There is no fermentation process. The end result is a Vin doux Naturel that is rich and unctuous with a heavy amber color and aromas and flavors of orange zest, quince, prunes and other dried fruits.
The process is thought to have been first used by the nuns of Château Chalon over a millenia ago, though there is little evidence to support this. Either way, this rarity has been in existence since at least the 14th century though it did not receive AOC status until 1991.
France → Jura → Macvin du Jura