Buy Jura wines

Jura, an atypical wine region

The Jura wine region is a hidden gem for wine enthusiasts. Celebrated for its unique and distinctive wines, it truly offers an extraordinary wine experience. Its cool continental climate, altitude, varied soils, and long winemaking tradition make it an exceptional terroir. The cuvées from the Jérôme Arnoux estate are wonderful examples of this.

History of Viticulture in the Jura

The winegrowing history of the Jura began as early as Antiquity, when the Romans introduced vine cultivation to the region. Over time, viticulture and winemaking techniques were refined, laying the foundations for a winemaking tradition that would endure for centuries. Several grape varieties gradually found their place in the local wine landscape, establishing the first foundations of the Jura vineyard’s unique identity.

Viticulture then developed significantly during the Middle Ages, notably thanks to monasteries and local lordships that encouraged the planting of vines around the villages.Emblematic grape varieties, such as Savagnin and Chardonnay, are introduced, and winemaking techniques become more refined, notably with the production of the famous Vin Jaune, aged under a veil, which becomes a regional specialty.

In the 19th century, the vineyard suffered a severe crisis with the arrival of phylloxera, which destroyed the majority of the vines. The Jura gradually managed to recover, and winegrowers focused on preserving local grape varieties such as Trousseau, Poulsard, and Savagnin.

The 20th century marked a revival, with the creation of the Jura AOCs, including that of Arbois in 1936, which highlighted the region’s unique wines. Today, the vineyard is recognized for its distinctive wines and respect for tradition, attracting enthusiasts for its heritage and native varieties.

Join us as we explore the finest bottles from the château or estate of your choice ! We offer, in particular, Chardonnay and Savagnin from Jura available for delivery. All the bottles displayed on our website are physically in stock in our cellars, stored under ideal conditions.

Jura Grape Varieties

Many indigenous grape varieties exist in the Jura region. For red wines, the Poulsard variety (18% of the vineyard) and Trousseau (5%) are very prominent, accompanied by Pinot Noir (11%). For white wines, Chardonnay is the most widely grown grape variety (48% of the entire vineyard), along with Savagnin (17%).

Poulsard produces wines with a very pale color (sometimes referred to as “coral”). On the nose and palate, a beautiful lightness emanates from the cuvées made with this variety, offering notes of red fruits (redcurrant, raspberry, strawberry) accompanied by a subtle tannic structure. This grape variety yields light red wines prized for their finesse and delicacy.

Trousseau offers more color and structure (alcohol, tannins) and features an aromatic profile that evolves towards ripe red fruits and spices. This grape produces deeply colored, powerful, and aromatic wines, with notes of ripe red fruits, spices, and a pronounced tannic structure. It thrives particularly well on gravelly soils and produces wines suitable for aging.

Although originally from Burgundy, Pinot Noir has adapted perfectly to the Jura. It produces fine, fruity red wines with aromas of cherry and undergrowth. Lighter than in Burgundy, it brings freshness and elegance, and is often intended for relatively young consumption.

As for whites, the Chardonnay is one of the emblematic grape varieties of the Jura, producing elegant and complex white wines, often marked on the nose and palate by notes of apple, lemon, peach, hazelnut, and a mineral character. In this region, it is vinified in a classic or oxidative style (under flor), giving it a unique structure and depth, with distinctive aromas of walnut and spices.

Finally, Savagnin is the region’s emblematic grape variety.Notably used to produce the famous Vin Jaune  (an oxidative wine aged under a veil of yeast for at least 6 years and 3 months), this grape variety can also be vinified in a classic style, either on its own or blended with Chardonnay to create excellent fruity white wines. This grape develops an intense aromatic profile featuring notes of walnut, spices, and curry, with lively acidity and great aging potential. It is emblematic of the characterful and age-worthy cuvées from the Jura.

As you can see, whether you enjoy white wine, red wine, or even Vin Jaune, the Jura offers a wide variety of grape varieties with distinct characteristics, allowing wine enthusiasts to find something to delight them in the region. Don’t hesitate to explore the vineyard from estate to château to truly appreciate its full diversity!

The Jura Wine Appellations

In total, the Jura has 7 wine appellations, offering wines with a wide range of characteristics.

Arbois AOC is the oldest and most renowned wine appellation in the region. It produces 70% of the red wines (Poulsard, Trousseau, Pinot Noir) and 30% of the white wines (Chardonnay and Savagnin) in the entire Jura! It also offers yellow wines as well as sweet wines such as the famous straw wine. It is within this appellation that the outstanding Cellier des Tiercelines estate operates.The bottles offered by the winemakers range from young, fruity wines to exceptional, age-worthy vintages.

Côtes du Jura AOC is the largest appellation in the Jura region (551 hectares). It stretches from the north to the south of the vineyard, thus producing a great diversity of wines ranging from supple red wines and light wines to dry white wines or straw wines. Côtes du Jura wines are appreciated for their accessibility and diversity.

Château-Chalon AOC covers only 60 hectares andis exclusively dedicated to Savagnin and the production of vin jaune. Aged under a veil for at least 6 years and 3 months, this delicious wine reveals powerful aromas of walnut and curry on the nose and palate, along with some fruity notes.Located on well-exposed hillsides, Château-Chalon is a benchmark for age-worthy wines.

L’Étoile AOC is so named because the eponymous village is surrounded by five hills forming the branches of a star. Additionally, the vineyards here are scattered with pentacrines: fossilized stars. This small appellation focuses on white wines (Chardonnay and Savagnin) and vin jaune. The limestone terroir produces elegant and mineral wines. L’Étoile wines are renowned for their finesse and excellent aging potential.

Macvin du Jura AOC is an appellation dedicated to liqueur wines, made from unfermented grape must to which Jura marc (eau-de-vie) is added. These sweet nectars, with flavors of candied fruit and spices, are often served as an aperitif or with desserts.

Crémant du Jura AOC, established in 1995, is reserved for sparkling wines produced using the traditional method (second fermentation in the bottle). The grapes used for Crémant du Jura are varied: Chardonnay, which brings freshness and finesse, Pinot Noir for structure, and Savagnin, which can add a note of complexity and a regional touch. Red grape varieties such as Poulsard and Trousseau are also permitted, especially for rosé crémants, giving them delicate red fruit notes. Crémants from Jura are distinguished by their freshness, liveliness, and aromas of white fruits, floral or toasted notes depending on their aging. They are perfect as an aperitif or to accompany light dishes.

Finally, Marc du Jura AOC is dedicated to eaux-de-vie made from grape marc, the residue of pressed grapes after winemaking.The Marc du Jura is obtained by distilling the skins, seeds, and sometimes stems of grapes from Jura grape varieties. It is an eau-de-vie that often ages in oak barrels, which gives it complex flavors with woody, spicy, and even vanilla notes over time. Tasting Marc du Jura reveals an intense aromatic palette on the palate, marked by notes of dried fruits, prune, and a powerful structure. Enjoyed as a digestif, Marc du Jura is a traditional product that showcases the expertise and richness of regional spirits.

Terroirs and Climate of the Jura

The terroirs of the Jura are unique and contribute greatly to the distinctive character of the local cuvées.Located between Burgundy and Switzerland, the vineyard stretches along a narrow 80 km strip, featuring varied landscapes, altitudes between 200 and 400 meters, and diverse soils. Here is an overview of the main terroirs and their characteristics.

Marl: Grey marl, blue marl, and red marl are abundant in the Jura and promote the production of Savagnin, the emblematic grape variety of vin jaune. These clay-rich soils retain water and are ideal for grape varieties that require a certain freshness and humidity.

Limestone scree: Mainly found on slopes, these soils provide good minerality to Jura wines. Chardonnay develops fine and elegant aromas here, with a beautiful acidic structure.

Gravel and pebbles: This type of soil is found in certain plots and is well-suited to red grape varieties such as Trousseau and Poulsard, which require warmth to reach optimal ripeness.

The climate of the Jura is semi-continental, with warm summers and cold winters, influenced by the proximity of the Jura mountains. The differences in altitude create varied microclimates, allowing the different grape varieties to thrive according to their need for warmth and sunlight. The Jura experiences regular rainfall, well distributed throughout the year, which is favorable for vine growth, but spring and autumn frosts remain a constant challenge for winegrowers.

Of course, this climate will express each vintage differently, depending on the particularities of the year. Thus, the 2018 vintage, for example, was exceptional for its quality and the abundance of the harvest, while the 2021 vintage was colder and more complex for local winemakers.

What to eat with Jura wines?

Jura wine, with its diversity of styles, offers a wide range of food and wine pairings, from traditional dishes to more daring combinations. Here are some suggestions to accompany your wine, whether it is white, red, or yellow. We will also suggest a few pairings for your Crémant, Vin de Paille, or even your Macvin.

With a dry white wine from Jura (Chardonnay and Savagnin)

Chardonnay
Jura Chardonnay, which can be vinified in a classic or oxidative style, pairs well with grilled fish, shellfish (such as shrimp and langoustines), and white meats (chicken with cream). Its minerality also complements Jura cheeses, especially young Comté, and mushroom-based dishes like a pan-fried girolle mushrooms. For example, try a delicious Chardonnay from the Arbois AOC !

Savagnin
Dry and mineral, Savagnin is ideal with more powerful and aromatic dishes.It pairs well with fish in sauce, such as pike-perch with beurre blanc, and lightly spiced dishes (for example, Thai cuisine with mild curry). Due to its intensity, it also complements aged cheeses like mature Comté and blue cheeses. Does this remind you of a bottle you have in stock in your cellar ?

With a red wine

Poulsard
Light and delicate, Poulsard pairs well with charcuterie, roasted poultry dishes (such as herb-roasted chicken), and oily fish like grilled salmon. Its fruity character also makes it a pleasant choice for summer dishes, such as a smoked duck salad.

Trousseau
More structured than Poulsard, Trousseau is perfect with meat dishes such as game birds (pheasant, pigeon), meats in sauce (rabbit stew), and grilled red meats. It is also excellent with dishes featuring wild mushrooms, which echo its forest floor aromas.

Pinot Noir
Jura Pinot Noir, generally fresh and light, is versatile. It pairs well with charcuterie, white meats (such as veal with morels), and slow-cooked dishes. This type of wine can also be enjoyed with soft, bloomy-rind cheeses like Brillat-Savarin.

For example, try the Friandise cuvée from Domaine Cellier des Tiercelines, which skillfully combines all three grape varieties ! This is a bottle we have in stock at La Cave Éclairée.

With a Vin Jaune

Vin Jaune is unique for its powerful flavors of walnut, curry, and spices. It therefore calls for pairing with characterful dishes.

Poularde with Vin Jaune and morel mushrooms is the classic and iconic pairing, where the richness of the dish matches the intensity of the wine.

A pike-perch or trout with almonds served with Vin Jaune also creates a beautiful balance of flavors.

The pairing with aged Comté cheese is also a must, as the nutty notes of the wine and the cheese complement each other perfectly.

Finally, the aromatic complexity of a fine bottle of vin jaune works wonders with dishes rich in umami, such as mild Thai curries or Chinese dishes with aged soy sauces.

Browse the appellations Arbois, Côtes du Jura, Château-Chalon, or L’Étoile and make your selection of vin jaune  bottles!

With a Vin de Paille

Vin de paille, made from dried grapes, is rich, slightly sweet, and offers notes of candied fruit, honey, and spices.

Foie gras is an excellent pairing with this type of bottle, as the sweetness of vin de paille perfectly balances the richness of foie gras, whether pan-seared or in a terrine.

Blue-veined cheeses, such as Roquefort or Bleu d’Auvergne, create memorable pairings with the sweetness and dried fruit aromas of vin de paille.

Finally, vin de paille also pairs wonderfully with dried fruit desserts (walnut tart, fig clafoutis), as well as chocolate desserts.

With a Crémant du Jura 

Crémant du Jura, produced using the traditional method, is available in white and rosé and is characterized by its fine bubbles and freshness.

Perfect as an aperitif, it pairs well with appetizers such as gougères, smoked salmon toasts, or seafood.

It also pairs deliciously with sushi, fish carpaccio, and mixed salads.

Finally, Crémant rosé is delightful with red fruit desserts, such as a strawberry tart or a raspberry charlotte.

With a Marc du Jura

Marc du Jura, a powerful eau-de-vie, is often served as a digestif, but it can also be used in certain recipes.

For example, it can flavor desserts such as vanilla ice cream or rum baba. It is also used in game dish sauces to add depth of flavor.

Finally, some enthusiasts occasionally enjoy it with strong cheeses, such as Munster or Maroilles… a beautiful contrast on the palate !

Jura Wine Delivery 

In conclusion, the Jura vineyard is a true treasure that every wine lover should discover. With its unique varieties, renowned appellations, distinctive wines, and diverse terroirs, each bottle here offers an unforgettable experience.

Whether you are drawn to a Crémant, red wine, white wine, or the iconic Vin Jaune, we are sure to find an estate that will satisfy your palate ! We offer a selection of gems that you can choose individually or by the case.

We also store all our bottles in cellars specifically designed for optimal wine preservation. This ensures perfect conditions with a constant temperature, high humidity, and the absence of direct light and vibrations.

Finally, we offer delivery to pick-up points as well as standard home delivery and express delivery to suit all budgets and requirements.

So, which bottle or vintage will you choose ? We look forward to hearing your feedback on our selection !