Jura wines

Dating back to ancient times, the Jura vineyards expanded significantly from the 18th century onwards, when the first regulations governing production were introduced. Since the end of the 19th century, preserving the quality of the wine has been a major concern for Jura winegrowers.

The Jura vineyards, which now cover around 1,800 hectares, are located on land stretching from Salins-les-Bains in the north to Saint Amour in the south, planted at an altitude of between 200 and 400 meters. They enjoy a semi-continental climate with often sudden changes in weather. Summers in the Jura are generally hot and dry. The south or south-west exposure guarantees the Jura vineyards plenty of sunshine and protection from the wind. However, there are quite contrasting microclimates depending on the changing terrain and variable exposure to the sun. The soils are largely limestone, ensuring permeability and solubility that are particularly favorable to Jura grape varieties.

The Jura produces red, rosé, and white wines, as well as sparkling wines, including the famous Crémant du Jura. Yellow wines, which are very dry with characteristic nutty aromas, are the most emblematic of the region. Three specific grape varieties dominate the Jura region: Poulsard and Trousseau for red and rosé wines, and Savagnin for whites, supplemented to a lesser extent by Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, inherited from nearby Burgundy. Six appellations d'origine contrôlée ( AOCs) crown the diversity and quality of Jura wines. Among them, the AOC Arbois, the AOC Côtes du Jura and, of course, the AOC Château-Chalon, which produces exceptional yellow wines made exclusively from the Savagnin grape variety, are particularly noteworthy.

In addition, the Jura has a number of high-quality estates, such as Rolet, Jean Macle, Berthet-Bondet, Montbourgeau, Stéphane Tissot, Labet and Rijckaert.

For more information, visit the official website of the wines of the Jura region.