AOC Arbois

History of the Arbois appellation

Located in the heart of the Jura vineyard, the Arbois appellation has a particularly ancient winemaking history. The vineyard stretches around the town of Arbois, between well-exposed hillsides, limestone cliffs, and varied soils that contribute to giving the region's wines their unique personality. 

For several centuries, the vine has occupied a central place in local life and has shaped both the landscape and the identity of the region. The Arbois appellation is in fact among the very first controlled designation of origin appellations recognized in France, as early as 1936. This official recognition marked an important milestone in the protection and promotion of Jura wines. Over time, the estates have managed to preserve the authenticity of Jura grape varieties while refining their winemaking methods.

The vineyard also benefits from a pronounced continental climate, influenced both by the proximity of the Jura mountains and by summers that are often hot and sunny. The cold winters allow the vines to regenerate, while the beautiful summer ripeness encourages the development of rich and expressive aromas. This climatic contrast plays an essential role in the structure and complexity of the wines, whether it is the fruity reds or the intense whites characteristic of the region.

Today, Arbois remains one of the most important and dynamic appellations of the Jura vineyard. Many estates there continue to practice demanding viticulture, often focused on environmentally friendly methods, in order to preserve the uniqueness of this terroir and to continue to promote the wines of the Jura.

The grape varieties of the Arbois vineyard

The vineyard of the Arbois appellation is based on several traditional grape varieties. 

For white wines, two grape varieties largely dominate production: Chardonnay and Savagnin. Chardonnay often expresses itself with a beautiful roundness and an elegant texture, revealing aromas of yellow-fleshed fruits, white flowers, or sometimes slightly buttery notes depending on the winemaking style. Savagnin, the emblematic grape variety of Jura, stands out for its more pronounced personality: it produces structured wines with great aromatic complexity.

On the red wine side, the appellation relies in particular on Trousseau and Pinot noir. Trousseau generally produces full-bodied and expressive wines, marked by aromas of red and black fruits, sometimes accompanied by spicy nuances. Pinot noir, more delicate, gives elegant and fresh reds, with notes of small red fruits. To these grape varieties is also added Poulsard (or Ploussard), which produces lighter and aromatic wines. 

The wines of the Arbois AOC

The Arbois appellation stands out for a great diversity of styles. 

White wines occupy an important place within the appellation. Mainly made from Chardonnay and/or Savagnin, they generally offer aromas of white fruits, citrus, or flowers, sometimes accompanied by notes of dried fruits or slightly spicy nuances if aged without topping up. 

The red wines of Arbois stand out for their freshness and fruity character. The Trousseau, Poulsard, and Pinot noir grape varieties here produce indulgent wines, dominated by notes of cherry, raspberry, or dark fruits.

The appellation also offers rarer styles that contribute to the reputation of the Jura vineyard. Among them is the vin de paille, a sweet wine made from grapes dried on racks to concentrate the sugars and aromas. The result is rich, intense, and particularly aromatic wines. Finally, some producers also craft elegant sparkling wines as well as the famous Vin Jaune, a true emblem of the Jura, known for its unique style and great complexity.

Want to discover the wines of Arbois ? Between elegant whites, fruity reds, and rarer cuvées, the atypical Jura vineyard is full of wonderful surprises. Browse our selection on La Cave Éclairée, discover the Domaine Jérôme Arnoux and order your Arbois wine online quickly and securely !