The AOC Arbois is one of the oldest appellations in France. Located in the north of the Jura vineyard, it offers an incredible diversity of wines, ranging from dry white to the famous yellow wine, as well as elegant reds.
If you are a lover of terroir wines, let yourself be transported to altitude for an exciting journey through all the secrets of this appellation.Happy reading and happy discovery!
Summary
History and Origins of AOC Arbois
The first traces of vine cultivation in the Jura date back to the Roman era. The limestone soils and well-exposed slopes quickly made this region a favorable place for wine production.The name Arbois would also come from the Latin "Arbores vicus", meaning "village surrounded by trees", thus highlighting the natural wealth of the region.
During the Middle Ages, viticulture in Arbois intensified thanks to the influence of the monasteries. The monks indeed developed the vineyards and perfected production techniques. In medieval society, wine became an essential beverage, both for lords and peasants. The town of Arbois developed around its vineyards, and the local wine began to gain a certain reputation.
During the Renaissance, trade exchanges intensified, and Arbois wine gained popularity beyond the borders of Franche-Comté.The production methods continue to improve, and the wine of Arbois is appreciated by the elites of the time, including at the court of the dukes of Burgundy. Henri IV (1553-1610), despite his bloody history with the town of Arbois, is even said to have remarked: "If I were not the king of France, I would want to be the lord of Arbois."
At the end of the 19th century, the vineyard's momentum was interrupted by the phylloxera crisis, a devastating disease that ravaged European vines on a large scale. However, thanks to the determination of local winemakers, the vineyard gradually revived over the following decades.
In 1936, Arbois officially obtained its status as an Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée (AOC), alongside Châteauneuf-du-Pape and Cassis.Although often referred to as the "first AOC of France," this title is more anecdotal, related to an alphabetical ranking.
Today, the AOC Arbois covers approximately 850 hectares across 12 communes, with the most well-known being Arbois and Pupillin. The vineyard is also distinguished by its indigenous grape varieties and its high-quality production of wines in various colors and styles (white, red, rosé, yellow, etc.).
Henri IV, an epicurean king and great lover of Arbois wines
Climate and soils of the AOC Arbois
Nestled on the western edge of the Jura massif, the Arbois vineyard stretches over rich and varied lands.Here, the vines plunge their roots into iridescent marls of impressive depth, with a clay dominance, often mixed with limestone scree. These marl soils extend on west-facing slopes, between 250 and 400 meters in altitude, promoting freshness and a beautiful acidity in the wines.
There are also clays enriched with " chailles ", siliceous nodules, remnants of the dissolution of certain limestone levels. This unique geological combination offers the vines an ideal environment to draw nutrients and produce wines that are both expressive and full of character.
The Arbois region is also characterized by a continental climate with cool oceanic influences.This translates to a strong temperature range throughout the year. Summers are hot and humid, while winters can be particularly harsh. Rainfall is high, exceeding 1000 millimeters per year.
The vineyard plots are naturally protected from the north and east winds by the surrounding cliffs, which provides them with a certain climatic stability. The natural drainage of the slopes and the maximization of sunlight on the western slopes also ensure ideal conditions for viticulture, even in a sometimes challenging environment.
Map of Jura appellations with the AOC Arbois in its north
The wines of AOC Arbois
The long-awaited moment has finally arrived! It is time to introduce you to the wines of AOC Arbois ! Whether it's red, white, yellow, or straw wines, each tells a story, reflecting a unique terroir and centuries-old Jura expertise.
The red wines of Arbois
The red wines of AOC Arbois are mainly made from the grape varieties Trousseau, Poulsard, and Pinot Noir and can be produced as single varietals or blends.
The Trousseau, an emblematic variety of the Jura region, produces structured and finely tannic wines. With an intense ruby color, wines from this grape often express aromas of ripe red fruits enhanced with spices and have a great aging potential, depending of course on the terroir and the winemaker's expertise.
The Poulsard (or Ploussard locally) offers lighter and more delicate wines distinguished by a light color. Its aromas of fresh red fruits, like strawberry and redcurrant, make it a perfect choice for quick consumption, generally within 3 to 5 years after bottling.
Finally, the Pinot noir adds a touch of elegance to wines with its finesse and complexity. Wines from this variety also have a paler color and a more pronounced acidity than in Burgundy.
The white wines of Arbois
The whites of the AOC Arbois are made from the grape varieties Savagnin and Chardonnay (sometimes locally called Melon à queue rouge).
The Savagnin, when offered in a topped-up version (classic non-oxidative aging), is distinguished by its beautiful acidity and notes of green apple, white flowers, nuts, and a lovely minerality. It is a grape variety that generally expresses a lot of personality.
The Chardonnay, on the other hand, is often vinified here to preserve its fruitiness and expresses notes of citrus, green apple, and pear. Alternatively, it can benefit from barrel aging, giving it more complex aromas, sometimes buttery or slightly nutty.
Once again, these two varieties can be blended by winemakers or offered as single varietals.
The yellow wine of Arbois
A true Jura gem, the yellow wine is a very complex powerful wine. Its winemaking process involves aging in barrels under a veil of yeast for a minimum of 6 years and 3 months.
Unlike all other types of wine mentioned previously, the aging process here is done without topping up, meaning without replenishing the liquid evaporation that occurs each year in the barrels (the famous "angel's share"). This unique process allows winemakers to create a measured oxidation and controlled.
This unique expertise gives this wine distinctive aromas of walnut, curry, cinnamon, and almond. Saline and stony notes, due to the typicity of the Jura soils, may also appear, along with certain fruity aromas (green apple, peach, etc.).
Packaged in 62cl clavelins, yellow wine can be preserved for decades, and under ideal conditions, it can even reach a longevity of over 100 years!
Note that yellow wine can be produced in AOC Arbois but also within other Jura appellations such as Côtes-du-Jura, Château-Chalon, and l’Étoile.
Arbois straw wine
Straw wine can be made from the Savagnin, Chardonnay, Poulsard, and Trousseau grape varieties.
The grapes, harvested by hand, are dried on racks, often for several months (at least 6 weeks), in order to concentrate their sugars, acids, and aromas.
The result is a sweet wine developing on notes of candied fruits, honey, and intense floral aromas.
Under good conditions, straw wine can be preserved for many decades.
Dried grapes on racks: the art of winemaking for Arbois straw wines
Other types of wines are also achievable in the AOC Arbois, such as rosés, made from Trousseau, Poulsard, and Pinot Noir grape varieties. These are simple and pleasant wines developing on light notes of red fruits.
Finally, Macvin du Jura (a blend of grape juice and marc) and crémant du Jura can also be produced within the appellation area. However, these products will not have the AOC Arbois designation, as their names are already distinct appellations.
What to eat with AOC Arbois wines?
This is a question that deserves your full attention! With their unique characteristics and great diversity, the wines of the Arbois appellation lend themselves to a multitude of gourmet pairings that will delight your taste buds.
With the red wines of Arbois
The lightest reds of the appellation, particularly those made from Pinot Noir or Poulsard, will pair divinely well with a fine selection of charcuterie (sausage, rillettes, ham, etc.). Given their low tannicity, one can also perfectly imagine a pairing with cheeses (Saint-Nectaire, fresh goat cheese, Reblochon, etc.) or even vegetarian dishes like vegetable lasagna.
For the red wines of the appellation with a more robust character (Trousseau), steer towards white meats (roast chicken, stuffed turkey) or red meats (rib of beef, lamb, etc.).
Note that the reds from the region are generally best enjoyed at a temperature ranging between 14 and 16°C.
With the white wines of Arbois
With local white wines, how about a nice roasted poultry or veal in sauce?
Also consider grilled or baked fish, and for cheese lovers, don't forget to pair the Jura whites with goat cheeses or soft cheeses with a bloomy rind like Comté or Beaufort.
The whites of Arbois are usually served between 8-10°C for the lighter ones and around 11-13°C for those with more body and structure.
With the yellow wine of Arbois
With its great complexity, yellow wine pairs perfectly with rich dishes, such as a Bresse chicken with morels, guaranteeing you a moment of pure gustatory bliss.
Dishes with exotic flavors, like the curries, also pair wonderfully with this wine.
Looking for a cheese pairing? An aged Comté will be the ideal partner to accompany a glass of yellow wine, creating a perfect harmony on the palate.
From a serving temperature perspective, a yellow wine is usually served between 14-16°C to appreciate its complexity.
Chicken with morels: a timeless pairing with Jura yellow wine
With Arbois straw wines
To complement the delightful sweetness of a Jura straw wine, opt for pan-seared foie gras, you won't be disappointed !
Of course, fruit desserts like a pear tart or a tarte tatin will also be divine, as well as a fresh fruit salad.
We recommend serving your straw wine at around 8-10°C to fully enjoy it.
The best wines of the AOC Arbois
The AOC Arbois is home to several wineries worth visiting. Among them, the domaine Jérôme Arnoux stands out without a doubt.
Leading 17 hectares of vineyards, Jérôme Arnoux is an iconic figure of the Jura, with over 25 years of experience in winemaking. Formerly responsible for wine production at Château de Chavannes and Caveau de la Reine Jeanne, he has developed an in-depth knowledge of the terroirs of his native region.
Today, Jérôme signs his own production and offers a unique vision of the terroirs of the Arbois appellation.The wines produced in this estate are an invitation to savor the Jura in all its forms and to appreciate the expertise of a passionate winemaker. The entire range is highly recommended !
The Cave of Domaine Jérôme Arnoux, or Cellier des Tiercelines
You are now a connoisseur of the AOC Arbois and Jura wines! All that remains is to taste these wonderful vintages to appreciate the full richness of this appellation. So, why not take the opportunity to discover our selection of Arbois wines on
