Collection: Buy Jura wines

The Jura, an atypical vineyard

The wine region of the Jura is a hidden treasure for wine lovers. Celebrated for its unique and atypical wines, it indeed offers an extraordinary wine experience. Its cool continental climate, altitude, varied soils, and long winemaking tradition make it an exceptional wine-growing region. The cuvées from the Jérôme Arnoux estate are magnificent examples of this.

 

History of Viticulture in Jura

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

Then, viticulture developed significantly in the Middle Ages, notably thanks to the monasteries and local lordships that encouraged the planting of vines around the villages. Iconic grapes, such as Savagnin and Chardonnay, were introduced, and winemaking techniques became more refined, particularly with the creation of the famous Vin Jaune, aged under a veil, which became a regional specialty.

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

The 20th century marks a renewal, with the creation of the Jura AOCs, including Arbois in 1936, which highlight the unique wines of the region. Today, the vineyard is recognized for its atypical wines and respect for traditions, attracting enthusiasts for its heritage and native varieties.

Join us in discovering the finest bottles from the château or estate of your choice ! We offer Jura Chardonnay and Savagnin for delivery. With us, all the bottles displayed on our site are in real stock in our cellars under ideal storage conditions.

 

The grape varieties of Jura

Many native grape varieties exist in Jura. Thus, on the red wine side, the Poulsard (18% of the vineyard) and Trousseau (5%) varieties are very present, accompanied by the Pinot Noir (11%). For white wines, Chardonnay is the most present grape variety (48% of the entire vineyard) with Savagnin (17%). The Poulsard offers wines with a very pale color ("coral" as it is sometimes called). On the nose and palate, a beautiful lightness emanates from the cuvées produced with this variety, offering notes of red fruits (redcurrant, raspberry, strawberry) accompanied by a slight tannic structure. The grape variety produces light red wines prized for their finesse and delicacy.

  The Trousseau offers more color and structure (alcohol, tannins) and has an aromatic profile evolving on ripe red fruits as well as spices. This grape variety produces colorful, powerful, and aromatic wines, with notes of ripe red fruits, spices, and a marked tannic structure. It thrives particularly on gravelly soils and produces wines suitable for aging.

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

On the white side, the Chardonnay is one of the emblematic grape varieties of Jura, producing elegant and complex white wines, often marked on the nose and palate by notes of apple, lemon, peach, hazelnut, and a mineral side. In this region, it is vinified in a classic or oxidative manner (under veil), giving it a unique structure and depth, with notably aromas of nuts and spices.

Finally, the Savagnin is the emblematic grape variety of the region. Notably used to produce the famous Vin Jaune (oxidative wine aged under a veil of yeast for at least 6 years and 3 months), it can also be vinified in a classic manner alone or blended with Chardonnay to produce beautiful fruity white wines. This grape variety develops an intense aroma focused on nuts, spices, and curry, with a lively acidity and great aging potential. It is emblematic of the characterful and aging-worthy cuvées of Jura.

You will have understood, whether you like white wine, red wine, or even yellow wine, Jura offers a great diversity of grape varieties with distinct notes, allowing enthusiasts to find their happiness in the region. Do not hesitate to explore the vineyard from estate to château to truly perceive all its diversity !

 

The Jura wine appellations

In total, Jura has 7 wine appellations offering wines with diverse characteristics.

The AOC Arbois is the oldest and most recognized wine appellation in the region. It indeed produces 70% of the red wines (Poulsard, Trousseau, Pinot Noir) and 30% of the white wines (Chardonnay and Savagnin) of the entire Jura! It also offers yellow wines as well as sweet wines like the famous vin de paille. It is within this appellation that the brilliant domain of the Cellier des Tiercelines) operates. The bottles offered by the winemakers range from young and fruity wines to great aging nectars.

 The AOC Côtes du Jura is the largest appellation in Jura (551 hectares). It stretches from the north to the south of the vineyard and therefore produces a great diversity of wines ranging from  smooth red wine and light to dry white wines or straw wines. The Côtes du Jura are appreciated for their accessibility and diversity.

The AOC Château-Chalon covers only 60 hectares and is exclusively dedicated to Savagnin and the production of vin jaune. Aged under a veil for a minimum of 6 years and 3 months, this delicious wine exudes powerful aromas of nuts and curry on the nose and palate, along with some fruity notes. Located on well-exposed slopes, Château-Chalon is a benchmark for aging wine.

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

 The AOC Macvin du Jura 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 fruits and spices, are often served as an aperitif or with desserts.

 The AOC Crémant du Jura, created 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 like Poulsard and Trousseau are also allowed, especially for rosé crémants, giving them delicate notes of red fruits. 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, the AOC Marc du Jura is dedicated to spirits made from grape marc, the grape residues pressed after winemaking. Marc du Jura is obtained by distilling the skins, seeds, and sometimes stems of grapes from Jura grape varieties.It is a brandy 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, prunes, and a powerful structure. Appreciated as a digestif, Marc du Jura is a traditional product that illustrates the expertise and richness of regional spirits.

 

Terroirs and climate of Jura

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

Marl : The gray marl, blue marl, and red marl are abundant in the Jura and favor the production of Savagnin, the emblematic grape variety of vin jaune. These clay-rich soils retain water and are perfect 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 for red grape varieties such as Trousseau and Poulsard, which require warmth to reach optimal maturity.

The climate of the Jura is semi-continental, with hot summers and cold winters, influenced by the proximity of the Jura massif. The differences in altitude create varied microclimates, allowing 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 pose a constant challenge for winegrowers.

Of course, this climate will express each vintage differently, according to the particularities of the year. For example, the 2018 vintage 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 variety of food and wine pairings, ranging 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 propose some combinations to go with your crémant, straw wine, or even your Macvin.

 

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

 

Chardonnay

The Chardonnay from Jura, which can be vinified in a classic or oxidative way, pairs well with grilled fish,shellfish (such as shrimp and langoustines), and white meats (chicken with cream). Its minerality also complements Jura cheeses, notably young Comté, and mushroom-based dishes like a sauté of chanterelles. Try, for example, a delicious Chardonnay from the AOC Arbois !

Savagnin

Dry and mineral, Savagnin is ideal with more powerful and aromatic dishes. It pairs well with fish in sauce, such as a pike-perch with beurre blanc, and lightly spiced dishes (Thai cuisine with mild curry, for example). Due to its intensity, it also accompanies aged cheeses like old 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 with charcuterie, roasted poultry dishes (like a herb-roasted chicken), and fatty fish such as grilled salmon. Its fruity side also makes it a pleasant choice for summer dishes, like a smoked duck salad.

 

Trousseau

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

 

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

Try, for example, the Friandise cuvée from the Cellier des Tiercelines estate, which skillfully combines the 3 grape varieties ! It’s 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 demands to be paired with characterful dishes.

The poularde with Vin Jaune and morels is the classic and emblematic pairing, where the richness of the dish matches the intensity of the wine.

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

The pairing with aged Comté is also essential, as the walnut notes of the wine and those of 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.

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

 

With a Vin de Paille

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

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

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

Finally, straw wine also pairs wonderfully with dried fruit desserts (walnut tart, fig clafoutis), and 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 carpaccios, and mixed salads.

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

 

With a Marc du Jura

The Marc du Jura, a powerful brandy, is often served as a digestif, but it can also be used in certain recipes.

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

Finally, some enthusiasts sometimes enjoy it with strong cheeses, like 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 must discover. With its unique varieties, renowned appellations, atypical wines, and varied terroirs, each bottle offers an unforgettable experience here.

Whether you are drawn to a sparkling wine, red, white, or the iconic yellow wine, we will surely find an estate that will satisfy your palate ! Indeed, we offer a range of gems that you can select individually or by the case.We also store all our bottles in stock in cellars dedicated to the proper preservation of wine. Perfect conditions with a constant temperature, high humidity, and no direct light or vibrations.

Finally, we offer delivery to a collection point as well as standard home delivery and express delivery to meet all budgets and requirements.

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