L’Étoile and its wines

L’Étoile is one of the most distinctive appellations of the Jura wine region, located in the French department of the Jura, near the town of Lons-le-Saunier. This small but prestigious area is renowned for producing white wines of great elegance and character, made mainly from the Savagnin, Chardonnay and, to a lesser extent, Poulsard varieties. The name "L'Étoile" comes from the crinoid fossils, ancient star-shaped marine organisms, found in the limestone and clay soils of the area. These unique soils, combined with the cool, continental climate, give the wines a pronounced minerality and an extraordinary ability to age.

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What is L’Étoile?

**L’Étoile** is one of the controlled designations of origin (AOC) of the Jura, known for its unique white wines, often made using traditional methods that bring out the character of the terroir. Set on hillside land, the area is shaped by fossil-rich limestone soils, which give the wines freshness, minerality and complexity.

Characteristics of L’Étoile Wines

1. Minerality: The limestone soils give the wines a fresh, savoury character.
2. Aromatic Complexity: Notes of dried fruit and nuts, spices and light oxidation in the aged wines.
3. Longevity: Ideal for ageing, they develop aromatic depth and richness.

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Places of Interest in L’Étoile

1. Historic Vineyards

The vineyards of L'Étoile extend over gentle hills that offer a breathtaking view and embody the winemaking tradition of the region.

2. Wineries and Vin Jaune

The wineries of the area make the famous Vin Jaune, an oxidative white wine aged for at least six years and three months under a veil of yeast.

3. Fossil Landscape

Exploring the fossil-rich limestone soils reveals the unique link between geology and winegrowing.

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Characteristics of L’Étoile Wines

Colour

• Whites: Bright golden yellow with intense highlights, especially in the aged wines.

Aromas

• Fruity: Notes of quince, pear and dried fruit and nuts.
• Spicy: Hints of turmeric, nutmeg and almond.
• Oxidative: Walnut and spice characteristics in aged wines.

Palate

• Complex and Structured: With vibrant acidity and a savoury finish.
• Long: A long, enveloping finish, typical of Jura wines.

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Typical Grape Varieties of L’Étoile

White Grape Varieties

• Savagnin: The grape variety that symbolises the area, used for Vin Jaune.
• Chardonnay: Fresh and mineral, with notes of fruit and white flowers.

Black Grape Varieties

• Poulsard: Occasionally used to produce rosé and sweet wines such as Vin de Paille.

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Why Choose a Wine from L’Étoile?

An L'Étoile wine is an example of tradition and uniqueness. Ideal alongside French dishes such as chicken in cream sauce and aged cheeses such as Comté, the wines of L'Étoile represent the perfect balance between terroir and winemaking skill.