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AOC L'étoile
Over a distance of 80 km, in the departments of Haute-Saône, Doubs and Jura, the Jura vineyards cover almost 2,000 hectares. The AOC L'Étoile appellation covers some 70 hectares of limestone, clay and marl soils in and around the commune of L'Étoile. Mainly Chardonnay and Savagnin vines are planted in this appellation, producing white wines, vins de paille and vins jaunes, which can be kept between 5 and 10 years, over 10 years and up to 50 years respectively. These wines are lively, fresh and round on the palate, with notes of vanilla.
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L’Étoile: Three Jura Wines, from Dry to Sweet
L'Étoile makes still white wines only, in three styles. Dry white, mostly Chardonnay and Savagnin, accounts for the bulk of production. Vin jaune, also dry, ages at least six years in oak under a veil of yeast. Vin de paille, made from dried grapes, is naturally sweet.
Marl, Fossils and South-Facing Slopes
The appellation's four communes lie within about 2.5 miles (4 km) of the village of L'Étoile, in the Revermont, between the Jura's first limestone plateau and the Bresse plain. The hills there top out at 320 to 420 meters (about 1,050 to 1,380 feet), some 100 meters (330 feet) above the hollows between them.
Beneath the vines lie marl and marly limestone from the Triassic and Lias (Early Jurassic), under soils strewn with stones broken off the harder ledges above. Those soils are rich in tiny stars: fossil fragments of crinoids, marine animals related to sea urchins and starfish.
Most plots face south, on slopes of 20 to 40%, sheltered from the bise, a cold, dry wind. The marl holds water deep down, while the slope and the loose scree drain off excess rain and help the soil warm up.
The climate is cool and wet, with more than 1,000 millimeters (about 39 inches) of rain a year. Fall, though, tends to be fairly dry and windy, which helps the grapes set aside for vin de paille dry out after harvest. The appellation bans heating the air in the rooms where they rest.
History of the AOC L'Étoile
Nestled in the heart of the Jura region, the AOC L'Étoile takes its name from the five hills surrounding the village, resembling a star. This small, historic appellation, covering around 70 hectares, is renowned for its expressive wines that reflect the richness of its terroir and the Jura's winemaking traditions.
Climate and Terroir of the AOC L'Étoile
Climate: The AOC L'Étoile benefits from a continental-influenced oceanic climate with distinct seasons, characterized by cold winters and hot summers. These seasonal variations are ideal for producing wines with a beautiful tension and pronounced minerality.
Soils: The soils of the AOC L'Étoile, primarily composed of marl and limestone, contribute to the unique minerality and undeniable elegance of the wines.
Key Grape Varieties of the AOC L'Étoile
The wines of L'Étoile are predominantly made from Chardonnay for the dry whites. However, the appellation is also recognized for its vin jaune (yellow wine) and vin de paille (straw wine), which are respectively made with Savagnin and a combination of Chardonnay, Savagnin, and Poulsard.
Style of AOC L'Étoile Wines
Dry White Wine:
- Appearance: Pale yellow with greenish reflections.
- Aromas: Floral notes and citrus.
- Taste: Lively and mineral, marked by a beautiful acidity.
Vin Jaune (Yellow Wine):
- Appearance: Characteristic golden color.
- Aromas: Complex notes of spices, nuts, and dried fruits.
- Taste: Rich and persistent, with an oxidative finish.
Vin de Paille (Straw Wine):
- Appearance: Amber color.
- Aromas: Powerful bouquet dominated by candied fruits, honey, and spices.
- Taste: Sweetness balanced by a lovely acidity.
Best Food Pairings with AOC L'Étoile Wines
Here are some recipe ideas to accompany a bottle of Jura wine from an estate or château in AOC L'Étoile:
Dry White Wine:
- Seafood
- Grilled fish
- Shellfish
- Goat cheese
Vin Jaune:
- Chicken with vin jaune and morels
- Aged Comté cheese
- Chicken curry
Vin de Paille:
- Seared foie gras
- Chocolate desserts
- Blue cheese
L'Étoile Wine: Frequently Asked Questions
Which villages does L'Étoile wine come from?
L'Étoile wine comes from four villages in the Jura: L'Étoile, Plainoiseau, Quintigny and Saint-Didier. They sit just northeast of the town of Lons-le-Saunier.
What yield does the L'Étoile appellation allow for vin de paille?
L'Étoile vin de paille is capped at 20 hectoliters per hectare (about 214 gallons per acre), against 60 for the appellation's other wines. Once dried, 100 kilograms (220 pounds) of grapes yield only about 20 liters (5 gallons) of juice at pressing.
Which minor grapes go into L'Étoile wine?
L'Étoile wine can include Poulsard as a minor grape alongside its two main varieties, Chardonnay and Savagnin. Seven others, including Aligoté, Chenin Blanc and Roussanne, are allowed under set conditions: together, 10% of the blend at most (20% for growers farming under 3 hectares, about 7.4 acres), and none can be named on the label.
Where can you buy L'Étoile wine direct from the winemaker?
You can buy L'Étoile wine direct from the winemaker on Avenue des Vins. The producer packs and ships your order directly.
See also: AOC Arbois - 100% Chardonnay Wines - Very Sweet & Sweet