Neighbouring Burgundy, the Jura forms part of France's northern wine growing regions. It has a semi-continental climate with warm and dry summers, cold winters and rainy springs. But there are many micro-climates within this wine growing region, which vary depending on relief and exposure.The grape varieties used for producing red wine are Poulsard, Pinot Noir and Trousseau. They represent approximately 40% of the vine population, whereas the white wine mainly contains Chardonnay and Savagnin: Jurassian grape varieties par excellence.The Jura wine growing region has a total of 4 geographical appellations: the regional appellation Côtes du Jura (the most widespread), and the Arbois, Etoile and Château-Chalon appellations. They can all be followed by the wording "vin jaune" (yellow wine) or "vin de paille" (straw wine), with the exception of Château-Chalon which exclusively produces yellow wines. The Jura is one of the smallest wine growing regions in France with its 2,000 hectares, but its famous yellow wine gives its worldwide recognition.
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Jura
Jura Wines
A niche French wine region with unique production, Jura has everything to attract wine enthusiasts in search of novelty. While Jura is known for its gastronomy and terroir products like Mont d’Or, Comté, Morteau sausages, or Bresse chicken, it’s also a historic wine region offering singular wines with a strong identity, crafted from high-quality native grape varieties. Explore our guide to discover Jura wines through their history, appellations, grape varieties, and terroirs, and follow our tips for pairing Jura wines with food.
The History of Jura Wines
Jura wines were mentioned as early as the first century AD by Roman Empire writer and naturalist Pliny the Elder. The vineyards of Arbois, Château-Chalon, and L’Étoile flourished in the Middle Ages thanks to religious orders. Jura wines were renowned in the medieval period, and even appreciated by King Henry IV. Due to this interest, Jura’s vineyards continued to prosper until the phylloxera crisis. The region was among the first to establish cooperative cellars, modeled on the cheese cooperatives producing Comté. Today, Jura carries on this tradition, offering distinctive wines like the famous Vin Jaune.
The Climate and Terroir of Jura’s Vineyards
Jura has a semi-continental climate with cold winters and warm, dry summers. Autumn and spring, with mild temperatures, experience heavy rainfall depending on the vintage. This demanding climate pushes Jura winemakers to be inventive and diligent.
Planted mainly on the slopes between the Jura Massif and Bresse, the vines generally face south, southwest, and west. The soil is primarily marl, though there are also limestone scree and clay. Around the prestigious Château Chalon appellation, the soils are mostly schist.
Vin Jaune, Macvin, and Vin de Paille
- Vin Jaune: This golden, dry Jura wine is aged in casks in an oxidative environment, without topping up. Thanks to the yeast veil that forms, the wine is protected from air. Vin Jaune ages for 6 years and 3 months before being bottled in a 62-cl clavelin bottle.
- Vin de Paille: A sweet wine made from selected grapes that are dried for several months on straw mats to concentrate sugars and flavors before pressing and fermentation.
- Macvin: This liqueur wine is fortified with marc spirit and aged for at least 10 months in casks. Mostly produced in white from savagnin and chardonnay, it’s also available in red and rosé, with a rich, smooth, and sweet profile.
Jura’s Different Appellations
Jura has 6 appellations representing different terroirs and winemaking methods:
- AOC Arbois (and Arbois Pupillin): white, rosé, red, Vin Jaune, Sparkling, and Vin de Paille
- AOC Château-Chalon: Vin Jaune only
- AOC L’Étoile: white, Vin Jaune, and Vin de Paille
- AOC Côtes du Jura: white, rosé, red, Vin Jaune, and Vin de Paille
- AOC Macvin du Jura: white, rosé, and red
- AOC Crémant du Jura: sparkling white or rosé
Jura’s Iconic Grape Varieties
While Jura also produces red, white, and rosé wines from Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, it has several distinctive native grape varieties. The most common are:
Savagnin
A hallmark Jura grape and the basis of the famous Vin Jaune, Savagnin produces white wines with notes of hazelnut, apple, and butter. When aged under a veil, it develops intense aromas of walnut, green apple, and oriental spices, with a long, powerful mouthfeel.
Poulsard
Native to Franche-Comté, Poulsard is a light red grape used in Jura and Bugey wines. Its delicate color resembles a rosé, with red fruit and spice notes. Poulsard has a natural acidity that brings vibrancy to the wine.
Trousseau
A key red grape in Jura, Trousseau produces well-colored, structured wines. With red and dark fruit notes, pepper, and smoke, it can be enjoyed young or aged, depending on the vintage and terroir.
Food and Wine Pairings with Jura Wines
Jura Wines with a Starter
Pair a 14-month aged Comté with an AOP l’Étoile Vin Jaune. The walnut, hazelnut, and spice notes of this wine will enhance the Comté. For a seafood platter, try a sparkling AOP Crémant-du-Jura brut with fresh apple and white fruit notes.
Jura Wines with a Main Course
For a poultry dish with cream and morels, like Bresse chicken with morels, choose an AOP Château-Chalon Vin Jaune made from 100% Savagnin. Its intense walnut, almond, and spice aromas pair perfectly with rich dishes. For red meat, pair a côte de bœuf with an AOP Arbois red 100% Trousseau.
Jura Wines with a Dessert
Pair a tiramisu or Paris-Brest with an AOP Arbois Vin de Paille, offering honey, dried fruit, and caramel notes. With a Tarte Tatin, try an AOP Macvin-du-Jura white with aromas of vanilla and quince.
With its unique grape varieties, range of wines, and famed Vin Jaune, Jura is a confidential region to discover. On Avenue des vins, each wine is carefully selected and available for home delivery, directly from the estate. Discover our selection of Jura wines or other French wines at the best prices, delivered to your home!