Arbois

The Arbois wines embody the excellence of the Jura region, offering a remarkable diversity of flavors, from crisp whites to full-bodied reds, including the iconic straw wines and yellow wines. The Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée (AOC) status for the Arbois wines was established by a decree dated May 15, 1936, marking the first time this designation was awarded in France. The designated region for the production of Arbois wines includes the municipalities of Abergement-le-Grand, Arbois, Les Arsures, Mathenay, Mesnay, Molamboz, Montigny-lès-Arsures, Les Planches-près-Arbois, Pupillin, Saint-Cyr-Montmalin, Vadans, and Villette-lès-Arbois, all located in the Jura.

The terroir of Arbois wines, characterized by a landscape of limestone-streaked hills and scree, consists of deep, dense, clay-siliceous marl. With 843 hectares dedicated to vineyards, this appellation is the largest and most renowned in the Jura. Among the producers in this region, Domaine Stéphane Tissot stands out for the excellence of its wines from the Arbois appellation.

The 42,000 hectoliters produced annually are divided between dry, lively white wines—whose aromas are reminiscent of those of vin jaune—and red wines, which account for 70% of production. There are also straw wines and yellow wines, similar to those produced in Château-Chalon. Arbois is also famous for its dry, aromatic rosés, made primarily from the Poulsard grape variety. The five grape varieties authorized by the Arbois AOC include, in addition to Poulsard, Chardonnay, Savagnin, Pinot Noir, and Trousseau. You can find more information by visiting the Arbois wines website.