The Jura vineyards have a lot to offer! Its wines and terroir, its unique landscapes, the dynamism of the region and the spirit of its people make it stand out from the rest.
Landscapes
The Jura climate and rich soils are ideal for growing vines.
The climate of the Jura vineyards can be described as semi-continental. This climate is hard on winegrowers, who have to contend with cold winters, hot, dry summers and fairly mild but unpredictable autumns and springs, often with heavy rainfall.
Savagnin, the emblematic Jura grape used to produce Vin Jaune, flourishes on the hillsides backing onto the limestone plateau, which is made up of blue marl.
But what also makes this vineyard unique is its surrounding landscape.
You can admire these varied landscapes from the many viewpoints in the village of Château-Chalon, classified as one of the "Most Beautiful Villages in France". Beyond the vineyards that cover the slopes, you can see the remote Haute Seille on one side and the Bresse plains on the other.
The JurAbsolu Tourist Office offers advice and walks among the vines to discover the Jura vineyards in all their forms. Get in touch with us!
Wine and its production
Jura wines are numerous, and some have been present on the tables of kings and lords since the Middle Ages. These include red, white and rosé wines, as well as more typical wines such as Vin Jaune, Vin de Paille, Crémant du Jura, Macvin du Jura and Marc du Jura.
This unique variety of wines is produced along the 80 km length of the Jura vineyards. It offers 7 AOC wines:
- 4 geographical AOC* : Arbois, Château-Chalon, Côtes du Jura and Etoile.
- And 3 AOC products* : Macvin du Jura, Crémant du Jura and Mac du Jura.
Jura winegrowers are ingenious when it comes to producing their wines. All the more so since the phylloxera crisis that largely destroyed the vineyards at the end of the 19th century. They adapt to diseases, wounds and various climatic conditions (snow, heatwaves...), all to ensure that the different wines produced in the Jura are recognized.
Worth knowing:
- Geographical AOC: the specifications relate to the place where the vines grow.
- AOC products: specifications cover production methods.
Photo Credit: JC ALARY
Jura's yellow gold
The star of Jura wines is Vin Jaune!
Aged in oak barrels for a minimum of 6 years and 3 months, without topping up or racking. It is then bottled in a special 62-cl "clavelin" container. Thanks to its exceptional characteristics, this "yellow gold" is considered one of the world's finest dry white wines.
Engaging with nature
Organic farming is increasingly present in the Jura vineyards. It now represents 23% of the total vineyard area. Most of the region's growers use reasoned, environmentally-friendly practices. Many of them have been awarded labels reflecting this commitment.