If there's a sommelier's secret in the world of French wine regions, it's the Jura. Tucked between Burgundy and Switzerland, the Jura wine region, though less known, is an intriguing place that's worth exploring for its unique and mesmerizing wines. This blog post is your guide to discovering this hidden gem of French winemaking.

Unveiling the Jura Region

The Jura region is a narrow strip of vineyard-laden land that extends 80 kilometers from north to south. Despite being one of France's smallest wine regions, it boasts an impressive array of soil types and microclimates, largely due to the influence of the Jura mountains and the Saône river. The area's cooler climate gives birth to wines marked by pronounced acidity and freshness, setting them apart in the broad landscape of French wines.

The Grape Varieties of Jura

While international varieties such as Chardonnay and Pinot Noir have found a place in Jura, the region's signature wines are primarily made from indigenous grape varieties, such as Savagnin, Poulsard, and Trousseau.

Savagnin: This versatile white grape is the key player in the region’s iconic Vin Jaune. It also finds its way into Côtes du Jura whites and the sweet Vin de Paille. Savagnin wines are renowned for their high acidity, complex aromas, and nutty, dried fruit, and spicy flavors.

Savagnin Grape Jura Wine Region — Savagnin Grape

Poulsard: This red grape, also known as Ploussard, is used to produce light-bodied wines with low tannins, bright red fruit character, and a touch of earthiness. Poulsard also plays a role in the creation of the region's sparkling wine, Crémant du Jura.

Trousseau: This variety makes deeply colored, full-bodied red wines with a robust profile of red and black fruit, spice, and earth. Compared to Poulsard, Trousseau wines usually have a more tannic structure.

Pronouncing Jura's Grape Varieties

Navigating the world of wine also means familiarizing oneself with a global array of words and names. Correctly pronouncing grape varieties can be a challenge, especially when dealing with lesser-known ones like those found in Jura. Here's a quick guide to help you sound like a true connoisseur:

Savagnin: Pronounced sah-vah-nyan. The 'g' is silent and the final 'n' is nasalized, as is typical in French pronunciation.

Poulsard: This is pronounced poo-lsar. Again, the final 'd' is silent.

Trousseau: Pronounce it as troo-so. It's a French word, so the 'eau' makes an 'o' sound, and the final 'x' is silent.

Remember, practice makes perfect. Try to repeat these names out loud a few times to get used to the French sounds

The Signature Wines of Jura

Jura produces a fascinating range of wine styles, but three iconic wines truly encapsulate the region:

Vin Jaune: Vin Jaune, or "yellow wine," is unique to the Jura. Made exclusively from Savagnin grapes, it's aged under a veil of yeast (known as 'voile') in oak barrels for a minimum of six years and three months. This ageing process imbues the wine with its distinct nutty flavor and deep golden hue, often drawing comparisons to fino sherry.

Vin de Paille: This "straw wine" is a sweet dessert wine produced from a blend of Savagnin, Chardonnay, and Poulsard grapes. These grapes are dried on straw mats to concentrate their sugars, then pressed and aged in oak barrels.

Crémant du Jura: Crémant du Jura is the region's sparkling wine, crafted using the traditional method (the same as Champagne). It's made from Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Trousseau, Poulsard, and Savagnin grapes and can be blanc (white) or rosé. These wines are recognized for their fine bubbles, freshness, and elegance.

Tasting and Food Pairing

Jura wines, with their distinctive flavor profiles, offer excellent versatility when it comes to food pairing. The high-acid, nutty Vin Jaune pairs superbly with local Comté cheese and chicken dishes served with creamy sauces. Light and fruity Poulsard wines complement charcuterie, while the more robust Trousseau wines are a perfect match for red meats and game. The sweet, dried fruit character of Vin de Paille makes it a great pairing for foie gras or blue cheese.

Final Thoughts

While small in size, Jura is a big player when it comes to character and variety. The region's unique grape varieties and wine styles make it a must-visit in the vast world of French wine regions. So the next time you're exploring wines, reach out for a bottle from Jura, and embark on a thrilling journey of flavors.

Continue to explore, continue to taste, and remember, the adventure of wine never ends. Here's to the unexplored treasures of the Jura region!

Cheers!

Exploring French Wine Regions: A Sommelier's Journey into the Jura