Jura
Jura is a small wine region in eastern France, situated between Burgundy and the Swiss border. It is renowned for distinctive styles such as Vin Jaune and Vin de Paille, and for its use of local grape varieties alongside international ones. The region’s wines, often produced by small-scale growers, have gained increasing international attention in recent decades.[1]
Geography and climate
The Jura lies in the foothills of the Jura mountains, close to the town of Arbois, with vineyards planted between 250 and 400 metres above sea level.[2] The climate is continental, with cold winters and warm summers, and rainfall often higher than in neighbouring Burgundy. Soils are diverse, dominated by limestone, marl, and clay, with patches of [gravel (soil)|gravel]] and scree that shape the region’s varied viticultural character.[3]
History
Viticulture in the Jura dates back to at least the Middle Ages, when its wines were traded widely and valued for their individuality. Château-Chalon, in particular, gained renown for its production of long-lived wines. The region suffered severe decline after the phylloxera crisis of the late 19th century, with vineyard area shrinking dramatically. In the late 20th and early 21st centuries, however, Jura wines experienced a revival, driven by renewed interest in traditional winemaking and distinctive regional styles.[4]
Grape varieties
The most emblematic grape of the Jura is Savagnin, which is the sole variety permitted for Vin Jaune and contributes to many oxidative wines.[5] Chardonnay is also widely grown, locally referred to as "Melon d'Arbois". Among red varieties, Poulsard is notable for producing pale-coloured, delicate reds; Trousseau yields spicier and more structured wines; and Pinot Noir is also cultivated, reflecting Burgundy’s proximity.[6]
Wine styles
The region is especially recognised for its oxidative wines.
- Vin Jaune is produced exclusively from Savagnin and aged under a veil of yeast (voile) for a minimum of six years and three months, developing complex nutty, spicy, and savoury flavours.[7]
- Vin de Paille is a sweet wine made from grapes dried on straw mats before pressing, concentrating sugars and flavours.[8]
- Crémant du Jura represents the region’s sparkling wines, made predominantly from Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.
- Still wines, both white and red, are produced in a range of styles, from oxidative to fresher, fruit-driven expressions.
Appellations
The Jura has several appellations, each with distinct characteristics:[9]
- Arbois AOC, the largest, producing a wide variety of styles.
- Côtes du Jura AOC, covering a broad area and range of wines.
- L’Etoile AOC, mainly known for whites from Chardonnay and Savagnin.
- Château-Chalon AOC, reserved exclusively for Vin Jaune.
Modern production
Today, Jura covers about 2,000 hectares of vineyard, with a strong emphasis on artisanal and terroir-driven production. Exports have increased steadily, particularly to markets in northern Europe, North America, and Japan, where demand for distinctive and authentic regional wines is strong. Despite its small size, the Jura has established itself as a significant player in the global fine wine scene.[10]
See also
References
- ↑ Robinson (ed.), The Oxford Companion to Wine, Oxford University Press, 2015.
- ↑ Johnson & Robinson, The World Atlas of Wine, 8th ed., Mitchell Beazley, 2019.
- ↑ Wink, Jura Wine: With Local Food and Travel Tips, Wine Travel Media, 2014.
- ↑ Robinson (ed.), The Oxford Companion to Wine, 2015.
- ↑ Johnson & Robinson, The World Atlas of Wine, 2019.
- ↑ Comité Interprofessionnel des Vins du Jura, “Les cépages du Jura”. https://www.jura-vins.com
- ↑ Wink, Jura Wine, 2014.
- ↑ Robinson (ed.), The Oxford Companion to Wine, 2015.
- ↑ Johnson & Robinson, The World Atlas of Wine, 2019.
- ↑ Comité Interprofessionnel des Vins du Jura. https://www.jura-vins.com