AOC Côtes du Jura

History of the AOC Côtes-du-Jura Appellation

Nestled in the heart of the Franche-Comté region, the AOC Côtes-du-Jura appellation has a long winemaking tradition dating back to Roman times. The appellation was officially recognized in 1937 and today includes around one hundred estates producing a diverse range of wines, from white and red to rosé and the famous "vin jaune."

Climate and Terroir of AOC Côtes-du-Jura

• Climate: The Côtes-du-Jura vineyard experiences a continental climate with hot summers and harsh winters. These climatic conditions, combined with the altitude, contribute to the balance of the grapes and a slow, prolonged ripening process.
• Soils: The soils of the AOC Côtes-du-Jura exhibit great geological diversity. They are primarily composed of blue marl and limestone, giving the wines from this region a unique mineral profile.

Key Grape Varieties of AOC Côtes-du-Jura

AOC Côtes-du-Jura has a range of emblematic grape varieties, including:

• Savagnin (for white wine and "vin jaune")
• Chardonnay (for white wine)
• Trousseau (for red and rosé wine)
• Poulsard (for red and rosé wine)
• Pinot Noir (for red wine).

Style of AOC Côtes-du-Jura Wines

White Wine: Often lively and fruity, with notes of citrus, white flowers, and a lovely minerality.

Rosé Wine: Light and fruity, offering a range of red fruit aromas with a refreshing palate.

Red Wine: Often robust and spicy, with aromas of red and black fruits, licorice, and undergrowth.

Vin Jaune: A unique wine, vin jaune offers a complex nose with notes of walnut, apples, and spices (curry). On the palate, it is powerful and has a long finish.

Vin de Paille: This sweet wine develops aromas of candied fruits (figs), honey, spices, and rancio. On the palate, it is syrupy and concentrated.

Best Food and Wine Pairings with AOC Côtes-du-Jura Wines

Here are some suggested dishes to pair with a bottle of white, red, rosé, or yellow wine from a domain or château in AOC Côtes-du-Jura:

• White Wine: Gratin franc-comtois, salmon terrine
• Rosé Wine: Charcuterie, mixed salads
• Red Wine: Grilled red meats, braised ham
• Vin Jaune: Pan-fried foie gras, chicken curry, aged Comté cheese
• Vin de Paille: Foie gras, chocolate, Roquefort