Exploring The Jura
For centuries it was the wine world’s most tightly guarded secret. sommeliers revered it and winemakers adored. But why? With terroir to rival Burgundy, production techniques and grape varieties seen nowhere else, the region's breakout onto the world stage changed the game of French wine forever.
Nestled between Burgundy and the Swiss border is a treasure trove for wine enthusiasts seeking distinctive, terroir driven wines. Despite being the smallest wine region in France, the Jura offers a diverse array of styles, each reflecting the region's unique grapes and winemaking traditions.
Key Grape Varieties:
Frances backward region where the stereotypical rules of wine are turned upside down. Whites and reds switch roles here with red wines becoming an aperitif, and whites being the rich bodied main act.
This all begins with the five key players:
- Savagnin:The most prized white grape, indigenous to the region and seen planted nowhere else outside the Jura. Renowned for producing the iconic Vin Jaune. Domaine De La Borde, Vin Jaune, 2015 perfectly encapsulates the essence of this sacred grape and revered style of wine.
- Chardonnay: Locally referred to as Gamay Blanc or Melon d’Arbois, this versatile white grape is widely cultivated in all parts of the region. Domaine Macle, Chardonnay Sous Voile, 2018 shows the oxidative potential of Chardonnay with intense nutty flavours and aromas.
- Poulsard (Ploussard): A red grape yielding light, aromatic wines with a pale hue. Lucien Aviet, Ploussard 'Cuvee Des Docteurs', 2023 is an excellent expression of this grape in its purest form.
- Trousseau:This red grape produces richer, more robust wines. Domaine Villet, Trousseau, 2022is a deliciously savoury wine with flavours of ripe red fruit.
- Pinot Noir: A classic, renowned grape presented in a new mind-bending light with the Juras terroir. Les Dolomies, La Cabane, 2023, a vibrant Pinot Noir tasting of intense dark cherry.
Distinctive Wine Styles
From these grape varieties, the Jura crafts several unique wine styles. A drop of these is an insight into this region's culture and way of life.
- Vin Jaune: Translating to "yellow wine," this is the Jura's signature style, made exclusively from Savagnin. After fermentation, the wine undergoes extended aging under a veil of yeast, known as "voile," in barrels for over six years. This process imparts complex, nutty flavors and remarkable aging potential.
- Vin de Paille: Meaning "straw wine," this sweet wine is produced by allowing grapes to be infected by the Noble Rot fungus (similar to Sauternes), then drying grapes on straw beds to concentrate sugars and acidity before fermentation. The result is a luscious dessert wine with rich, dried fruit notes.
- Macvin du Jura: A fortified wine made by blending grape must with marc (a type of distilled grape juice). The result? A sweet, aromatic beverage enjoyed as an aperitif or dessert wine.
- Crémant du Jura:A sparkling wine crafted using the traditional method, primarily from Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. It offers a refreshing alternative to Champagne, often at a more accessible price point while still maintaining the essence of this hallowed land.
Exploring Jura Wines at Cave
At Cave Bristol, we take pride in curating a selection of Jura wines that showcase the region's diversity and tradition. Whether you're intrigued by the oxidative notes of Vin Jaune or the effervescence of Crémant du Jura, our collection offers something for every palate. Visit our wine bar to experience these unique wines firsthand or explore our online shop to have them delivered to your doorstep.
Browse Our collection of Jura wines at Cave