This lovely spot in the foothills of the Jura mountain has many attractions, and the vineyards is one to enjoy. In this extract we learn about the Vineyards of the Jura ...
It's a whole new language to learn in the vineyards and caves of the Jura. And, that isn't all. For France's smallest wine region (around 1,600 hectares - smaller than some single estates in Chile) is undoubtedly also the most complicated. To get to grips with it requires a steep learning curve, but the effort can pay off if you have a passion for unusual flavours, intriguing food and wine matches and spectacular countryside. First, here are the basics. The Jura wine region stretches from just north of Arbois to some kilometres south of Lons le Saunier in the western foothills of the low Jura mountain range. Around 80km east of Burgundy, it makes an excellent stopover if you are driving from northern France to the Alps, or even en route to the Med. (view over Arbois, right) The Jura has a broadly northern continental climate with clay-limestone soils that include outcrops of marl in particular, with plenty of fossils. There are four regional appellations: Arbois, Cotes du Jura and the smaller Etoile and Chateau-Chalon, plus two wine style appellations that cover the whole area, Cromant du Jura and Macvin (a Vin de Liqueur). Five grape varieties are used today: for whites, Chardonnay and Savagnin (sometimes called by its old name, Nature), plus Poulsard (also called Ploussard), Trousseau and Pinot Noir for reds. Colour in the Jura is often not what it seems! Whites can vary from pale greenish through to dark amber (and that includes the famous jaune or yellow), and reds are more often than not pink, or tile-coloured at best. On labels, variety is indicated sometimes, but the style of wine rarely, unless it is the famous Vin Jaune or the sweet Vin de Paille. Any style may be made under the Arbois or Cotes du Jura appellations; Etoile is restricted to whites (including Jaune and Paille); Chateau-Chalon is exclusively Vin Jaune, but note that in this case the words "Vin Jaune" do not appear on the label. Apparently all this makes sense to a Frenchman and is part of la patrimoine. Full article and photos: A Jurrasic mystery
Video: French Wine and Provincial Life
In French but lovely landscapes to enjoy ....
It's a whole new language to learn in the vineyards and caves of the Jura. And, that isn't all. For France's smallest wine region (around 1,600 hectares - smaller than some single estates in Chile) is undoubtedly also the most complicated. To get to grips with it requires a steep learning curve, but the effort can pay off if you have a passion for unusual flavours, intriguing food and wine matches and spectacular countryside. First, here are the basics. The Jura wine region stretches from just north of Arbois to some kilometres south of Lons le Saunier in the western foothills of the low Jura mountain range. Around 80km east of Burgundy, it makes an excellent stopover if you are driving from northern France to the Alps, or even en route to the Med. (view over Arbois, right) The Jura has a broadly northern continental climate with clay-limestone soils that include outcrops of marl in particular, with plenty of fossils. There are four regional appellations: Arbois, Cotes du Jura and the smaller Etoile and Chateau-Chalon, plus two wine style appellations that cover the whole area, Cromant du Jura and Macvin (a Vin de Liqueur). Five grape varieties are used today: for whites, Chardonnay and Savagnin (sometimes called by its old name, Nature), plus Poulsard (also called Ploussard), Trousseau and Pinot Noir for reds. Colour in the Jura is often not what it seems! Whites can vary from pale greenish through to dark amber (and that includes the famous jaune or yellow), and reds are more often than not pink, or tile-coloured at best. On labels, variety is indicated sometimes, but the style of wine rarely, unless it is the famous Vin Jaune or the sweet Vin de Paille. Any style may be made under the Arbois or Cotes du Jura appellations; Etoile is restricted to whites (including Jaune and Paille); Chateau-Chalon is exclusively Vin Jaune, but note that in this case the words "Vin Jaune" do not appear on the label. Apparently all this makes sense to a Frenchman and is part of la patrimoine. Full article and photos: A Jurrasic mystery
Video: French Wine and Provincial Life
In French but lovely landscapes to enjoy ....
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