Jura wines

The five grape varieties of Jura

-Chardonnay is very common in the region. It produces white wines with a range of profiles, from fresh and vibrant cuvées to more generous expressions. During tasting, you will regularly find notes of citrus, apple, white flowers, or hazelnut. 

-Savagnin is one of the iconic grape varieties of the Jura region. Naturally endowed with a lovely acidity, it can be vinified in different styles, including topped-up or under flor. It is especially renowned for the production of Vin Jaune, for which it is the sole grape variety. 

-Poulsard, sometimes called Ploussard, produces red wines with a very pale color, known for their finesse, delicate tannins, and aromas of strawberry, raspberry, or redcurrant.

-Trousseau generally offers more color and structure. Its wines often display a spicier character and notes of red or black fruits.

-Pinot Noir completes the range of red grape varieties. It brings freshness, finesse, and fruit, whether on its own or blended with Poulsard and Trousseau.

The main Jura appellations

-The Arbois AOC is one of the historic appellations of the Jura region. It produces reds from Poulsard, Trousseau, and Pinot Noir, as well as whites from Chardonnay and Savagnin. Vin Jaune and Vin de Paille are also made here.

-The Côtes du Jura AOC covers a large part of the vineyard and offers a wide variety of styles: whites, reds, rosés, Vin Jaune, and Vin de Paille.

-The Château-Chalon AOC is exclusively dedicated to Vin Jaune made from Savagnin. Its wines are renowned for their complexity and remarkable aging potential.

-L'Étoile AOC is particularly associated with white wines made from Chardonnay and Savagnin, with cuvées generally noted for their freshness and finesse.

Particularly diverse wine styles

The Jura region stands out especially for its different aging methods. Some white wines are aged "ouillé", meaning the contact with oxygen is limited to preserve the fruit and freshness. Others are aged under a veil, developing distinctive notes of walnut, spices, and dried fruits.

Vin Jaune is the most iconic expression of this second style. Made exclusively from Savagnin, it undergoes a very long aging process in barrels without topping up. To learn more, read our article dedicated to Jura Vin Jaune.

Vin de Paille is a sweet wine made from grapes whose sugars have been concentrated before pressing.The Crémant du Jura represents the sparkling side of the region, while the Macvin du Jura is a fortified wine made from grape must and Marc du Jura.

Terroirs and character of the wines

The Jura vineyard is particularly marked by the presence of marl and limestone. The variations in soil, altitude, and exposure partly explain the diversity of expressions found from one plot to another.

The relatively cool climate also allows the grapes to retain good acidity, an important characteristic in balancing both the whites and reds of the region.

What to eat with a Jura wine?

Chardonnay-based whites pair easily with fish, shellfish, poultry, or pressed cheeses. The more intense Savagnins pair particularly well with mushrooms, saucy dishes, or aged Comté.

Poulsard reds work very well with cured meats and poultry, while Trousseau, generally more structured, can accompany roast meat or a mushroom dish.

Vin Jaune has some pairings that have become essential, especially with aged Comté or poultry with morel mushrooms.

Buy our Jura wines online

La Cave Éclairée selects cuvées that allow you to discover the different facets of the vineyard: topped-up or flor-aged whites, reds from local grape varieties, and great Jura specialties.

You will notably find wines from Domaine Jérôme Arnoux - Cellier des Tiercelines, located in Arbois.

The listed available selections are stored in conditions perfectly suited to wine, protected from light and significant temperature changes. Orders can then be shipped securely to your home or to a pick-up point in France and Europe.