Four Fantastic Red Wines from Jura

The Jura wine region is relatively small (in fact, it is one of the smallest in France) but large in terms of diversity and quality. Located in the Franche-Comté region, it extends between the 70 kilometers that separate the Bresse area from the Jura Massif. There, in a strip just six kilometers wide, about 1,850 hectares of vineyards are cultivated, distributed among four appellations d'origine (AOC): Arbois, Côtes du Jura, L'Étoile, and Château-Chalon. Additionally, some special wines and spirits are produced in Jura, classified under three IGPs: Macvin du Jura (fortified wine), Crémant du Jura (sparkling wine), and Marc du Jura (grape spirit). 

Jura’s climate is ideal for the slow ripening of red wine grape varieties, allowing them to develop complex flavors while retaining freshness and acidity. 

In these 1,850 hectares of vineyards—which used to be 20,000 before the late 19^th century phylloxera epidemic—currently five grape varieties are cultivated, two of them white (Chardonnay and Savagnin) and three for red wine (Pinot Noir, Poulsard, and Trousseau). Besides the singularity provided by the region’s exclusive grape varieties (Savagnin, Poulsard, and Trousseau), what especially distinguishes Jura are its unique typologies, especially the one that identifies wines aged under a veil of yeast (just like in Jerez, Spain!), the so-called "vin jaune" ("yellow wines"), as well as the sweet whites made from dried grapes, called "vin de paille" ("straw wines"). 

Red Wines from Jura 

Today, we will focus on Jura’s red wines, all available from the best wine store California. The soil in Jura varies, with a mix of limestone, marl, and clay. This diverse soil composition contributes to Jura wines’ complexity: limestone imparts minerality, marl adds richness, and clay provides structure. 

Jura has a continental climate, with cold winters and warm summers. Yet the region also receives an Atlantic Ocean influence, which brings moisture and moderates the temperature year round. The red grape varieties grown in Jura, such as Trousseau and Poulsard, thrive here, producing wines with vibrant fruit flavors, floral aromas, and a distinctive mineral character. The combination of Jura's unique terroir and grape varieties results in red wines that are elegant, complex, and reflective of their terroir. 

Trousseau 

As an appellation, Arbois is one of the most well-known and historically significant in Jura, renowned for its high-quality wines. The town of Arbois is considered the capital of Jura wine. It is located near the Swiss border. To get a taste of Arbois red wine, consider the 2019 Domaine Ratte Arbois Les Corvees when you order red wine online. This wine comes from eighty-year-old Trousseau vines. Vignerons Michel-Henri and Françoise Ratte hand-harvest the organically-grown grapes, destem, and use natural yeast in fermentation. The wine then undergoes elevage in old Burgundy barrels. They describe their wine as possessing “lively blackberry, raspberry, notes of floral and a hint of spice." 

Another great option if you like Trousseau is the 2018 Domaine Courbet Côtes du Jura Trousseau de la Vallée. The grapes are grown biodynamically. In fact, Domaine Courbet is known for its commitment to these eco-friendly farming practices, which become translated into the quality and purity of its wines. The Trousseau de la Vallée is crafted with care and attention to detail, resulting in a wine conveying its terroir with aplomb. 

Pinot Noir 

If you like Pinot Noir and great value, check out the 2018 Frederic Lornet-Charles Rouget Cotes du Jura Pinot Noir. The grapes for this wine are sourced from vineyards in the Côtes du Jura appellation, where the combination of limestone soils and a continental climate provides an ideal terroir for Pinot Noir. This helps produce the wine's distinctive minerality and complexity. This wine is a collaboration between two respected winemakers, Frédéric Lornet from the Jura region and Charles Rouget from Burgundy. This partnership brings together their expertise and passion for winemaking, resulting in a wine that blends the best of both regions. 

Ploussard 

Finally, there’s Ploussard aka Poulsard, another varietal unique to Jura. Ploussard wines are known for their light color, delicate flavors, and low tannins. The wines typically exhibit red fruit flavors, such as strawberry and raspberry, with floral and spicy notes. 

Want to try? When you next buy wine online, order the 2019 Domaine Overnoy-Crinquand Arbois-Pupillin Ploussard Rouge. The Ploussard grapes used in this wine come from old vines, which are known to produce wines with greater complexity and character. the vineyards’ lime-clay soils, heavily laden with stones, truly express Ploussard’s compelling character. The light color of this wine reflects the grey-rose blush to the grape skin. The skins provide notable tannins. The winemaker says it’s “a rough, ‘sauvage,’ lively wine with a big personality.”