The Jura and its wines

The Jura is one of the most unusual wine regions of France, lying between Burgundy and Switzerland. Marked by a a cold continental climate, limestone soils and marls of Jurassic origin, the Jura is famous for its production of unique oxidative wines, including the famous Vin Jaune, and for indigenous grape varieties such as Savagnin, Poulsard and Trousseau.

Besides the long-lived white wines and the light, spicy reds, the Jura is known for its Vin de Paille, a sweet wine made from dried grapes, and for its Crémant du Jura, a refined, elegant traditional method sparkling wine.

What is the Jura wine district?

The Jura is a small wine region but one with a strong identity. Production is concentrated in four main AOC (Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée):

• Arbois AOC → The oldest AOC in France, famous for Vin Jaune.
• Château-Chalon AOC → The cradle of the most prestigious Vin Jaune.
• Côtes du Jura AOC → Broader appellation, including whites, reds and rosés.
• L’Étoile AOC → Specialising in elegant whites from Savagnin and Chardonnay.

Besides these, the Jura produces Crémant du Jura AOC, a traditional method sparkling wine comparable to Champagne.

The Great Wine Areas of the Jura

1. Arbois

• Main grape varieties: Savagnin, Chardonnay, Poulsard, Trousseau.
• Style: Oxidative white wines and spicy reds.
• Famous appellation: Arbois AOC.

2. Château-Chalon

• Main grape variety: Savagnin.
• Style: Vin Jaune, with a minimum ageing of six and a half years.
• Famous appellation: Château-Chalon AOC.

3. Côtes du Jura

• Main grape varieties: Chardonnay, Savagnin, Pinot Noir.
• Style: Dry, fresh white wines, light reds.
• Famous appellation: Côtes du Jura AOC.

4. L’Étoile

• Main grape varieties: Chardonnay, Savagnin.
• Style: Elegant, long-lived whites.
• Famous appellation: L’Étoile AOC.

5. Crémant du Jura

• Main grape varieties: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir.
• Style: Fresh, complex Metodo Classico sparkling wines.
• Famous appellation: Crémant du Jura AOC.

Characteristics of the Wines of the Jura

Colour

• Whites: Deep golden yellow in the Vin Jaune, straw yellow in the Crémant.
• Reds: Pale ruby red, with orange tones in the more evolved wines.
• Desserts: Amber in the Vin de Paille.

Aromas

• Fruity: Quince, dried fruit, citrus in the whites; cherry and redcurrant in the reds.
• Floral: White flowers in the whites; violet in the reds.
• Spicy and Oxidative: Walnuts, curry, honey in the Vin Jaune wines.

Palate

• Intense and Oxidative: In the Vin Jaune wines, with a long finish and great structure.
• Fresh and Mineral: In the Crémant du Jura and the non-oxidative Chardonnays.
• Fruity and Light: In the reds from Poulsard and Trousseau.

Typical Grape Varieties of the Jura

White Grape Varieties

• Savagnin: Used for Vin Jaune, it has great acidity and longevity.
• Chardonnay: Fresh and mineral, often made in a Burgundian style.

Black Grape Varieties

• Poulsard: A light, fruity red, typical of the Jura.
• Trousseau: More structured and spicy, with excellent ageing capacity.
• Pinot Noir: Present in blends or as a single variety, with an elegance similar to Burgundy wines.

Why Choose a Wine from the Jura?

A wine from the Jura is a unique choice, perfect for those who love wines that are oxidative, long-lived and complex. Ideal for accompanying aged cheeses, richly spiced dishes and traditional French cuisine, the wines of the Jura offer a rare and fascinating sensory experience.