Jura
Cool continental
A cool, mountainous region on the Swiss border, known for Vin Jaune, made from Savagnin under a veil of yeast, and unusual reds from Poulsard and Trousseau.
Overview
About Jura
The Jura sits between Burgundy and Switzerland, on a strip of foothills. It has its own grapes, Savagnin, Poulsard and Trousseau, alongside Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, and its own styles: Vin Jaune, which is aged in barrel for at least six years and three months under a film of yeast, and Vin de Paille, a sweet wine from dried grapes.
Arbois was the first French AOC, in 1936, and Château-Chalon is a separate appellation for Vin Jaune only.
Jura is marked on the map.
France
Shaded: Jura. Map units are states, provinces or départements, so a smaller place appears as the larger area that contains it.
The land
Climate & terroir
Climate
Cool continental
Cold winters and warm summers, with rainfall spread through the year, and the higher slopes get the coolest conditions.
Terroir & soils
What the vines grow in
Blue, grey and red marls of the Triassic and Jurassic periods, with limestone on the upper slopes.
Go deeper
Rules, years & producers
The Jura has four main appellations for its wines, and two special styles that take years to make.
Château-Chalon
An appellation for Vin Jaune only, from Savagnin.
L'Étoile
A small appellation for white wines, sparkling wines and Vin Jaune.
Arbois
The first French AOC, in 1936, for all styles.
Côtes du Jura
The widest appellation, covering the whole area.
What's grown here
Grapes
Each grape's page links back here.