Jura is a small wine region situated east of Burgundy and near the Swiss border. The region's terroir is one of the main reasons behind the high popularity of Jura wine. The soil is rich in limestone and marl, which imparts unique minerality and complexity to the wines. Additionally, the continental climate, with cool nights and warm summers, contributes to the slow ripening of the grapes, resulting in wines with a fantastic balance between acidity and fruitiness.

Many restaurants have begun to feature more Jura wine on their wine lists, and there's good reason for it. The popularity of these wines is rising fast!

Although this wine region is less known compared to Bordeaux, Burgundy, Rhône, and Loire, it stands out in several ways. Each wine region has its own unique style and grape varieties. Bordeaux is famous for its powerful red wines, Burgundy for its elegant and complex wines, Rhône for its bold reds and spicy wines, and Loire for its fresh and aromatic wines. Jura wine is different with its nutty and mineral characteristics, providing a unique tasting experience.

Sous Voile Method - The Secret Behind Vin Jaune

Vin Jaune is undoubtedly the most iconic wine of the region. This golden, dry wine is the result of the unique Sous Voile method. After fermentation, the wine is stored in old wooden barrels under a thin layer of yeast that forms a "veil" on the surface. This process contributes to the characteristic nutty aroma and complexity of the wine.

Grape Varieties Used in Jura Wine

Several different grape varieties are used to produce Jura wine. The primary ones are Savagnin, Trousseau, Poulsard, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir, with the first three originating from Jura.

Savagnin is undoubtedly the region's most famous grape variety. This white grape is known for its distinctive acidity, complex aromas of nuts, spices, and dried fruits, and its ability to age exceptionally well. Savagnin is used to produce the region's most iconic wine: Vin Jaune.

Trousseau is a red grape variety that thrives in the region's terroir. Its bright red color and intense aromas of cherries and wild berries give Trousseau wines an irresistible character. These wines are often elegant and delicate, with a natural freshness that makes them perfect for food pairing.

Natural Wines from Jura

Natural wines has gained significant popularity in recent years, and the Jura region is no exception when it comes to embracing this approach to winemaking. Natural wine principles focus on minimal intervention and respect for the balance of nature. Here are some of the key principles used in the production of natural wines from Jura:

Organic and biodynamic cultivation: Natural wine producers in Jura place great emphasis on cultivating their vineyards in an organic and/or biodynamic manner. This involves avoiding the use of chemical pesticides, herbicides, and artificial fertilizers, as well as working with nature's cycles and the cosmic calendar.
Hand-harvesting of grapes: The grapes for natural wine from Jura are carefully hand-harvested to ensure optimal quality and sorting. By picking the grapes manually, producers can select the best grapes and avoid including unwanted or overripe ones.
Spontaneous fermentation: Natural wine producers in Jura prefer to let the grapes ferment using naturally occurring yeast cells on the skins. This is called spontaneous fermentation, where no commercial yeast strains are added. This process allows the wine to develop unique aromas and flavor profiles.
Minimal addition and no filtration: Producers of natural Jura wines use minimal addition of sulfur and other additives during winemaking. Additionally, they often avoid filtering the wine to preserve its natural character and complexity. This can result in wine styles that are more organic and true to their expression.
Respect for terroir: Many natural wine producers place great emphasis on expressing the unique terroir in their wines. They aim to highlight the soil's mineral content, the climate's influence, and the grape varieties' character through their winemaking. This creates wines that are authentic to the region.

By following these natural wine principles, producers achieve unique wines that stand out in taste and character. Natural wine from Jura is an exciting option for wine enthusiasts looking to explore a more natural and authentic approach to wine.

5 of the Top Natural Wine Producers from Jura

Here is a list of five of the most famous producers who create Jura wine following natural principles:

Domaine Pignier: Domaine Pignier is a renowned producer of natural wine from Jura. They have a long history in the region and are known for their organic and biodynamic approach to winemaking. Their wines, including Vin Jaune and Vin de Paille, are highly regarded by wine connoisseurs worldwide.
Domaine Overnoy-Crinquand: Domaine Overnoy-Crinquand is a pioneer in natural wine production in the area. They work with low yields and traditional methods to create Jura wine with great finesse and complexity. Their Jura wine is characterized by vibrant fruitiness and minerality.
Domaine Labet: Domaine Labet is a family-owned winery that produces high-quality natural wine. They are known for their commitment to biodynamic cultivation and the use of minimal intervention during vinification. The terroir is clearly expressed in their various Jura wines, which are produced from the region's most well-known grape varieties.
Domaine Tissot: Domaine Tissot is a reputable producer that has played a significant role in promoting natural wine production in the area. They cultivate their vineyards organically and practice spontaneous fermentation and minimal addition in winemaking. Their Jura wine is marked by finesse and elegance.
Domaine Ganevat: Domaine Ganevat is a recognized producer of natural wine, known for their innovative approach. They work with a wide range of grape varieties and experiment with different winemaking techniques. Their Jura wine is complex, vibrant, and expressive.

These five natural wine producers are all leaders in their field and contribute to the region's reputation as the home of extraordinary natural wines.

Sell Jura Wine

If you have exciting Jura wine stored in your cellar that you're considering selling, you can benefit from listing it for sale on the ShareWine marketplace. Here, you can sell your Jura wine either at a wine auction or as a fixed price listing and expose them to buyers from all over Europe.

List Jura Wine for Sale - Create an Auction

Frequently Asked Questions about Jura Wine

How long can Jura wine be aged?

Jura wine can be aged for a long time, especially "vin jaune," which can mature for many years and develop significant complexity and depth.

Which dishes pair well with Jura wine?

White Jura wines pair well with dishes such as Comté cheese, fish, and seafood, while the reds go well with dishes featuring lighter meats, nuts, and mushrooms.