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Côtes du Jura is the largest appellation in Eastern France's Jura wine region. It's known for its one-of-a-kind terroir wines with a distinct style. Wine from the Côtes du Jura is one of the most unique and authentic in the wine world, with characteristics that set it apart from other wines. Thanks to the unique taste and aroma qualities of local wines and the technical features of their production, it is fascinating to dive into the Côtes du Jura wine region, gradually getting to know it better. This article was written to help you find the Côtes du Jura wine region's real treasures.

Check the list of wine tastings and tours in Côtes du Jura!

Where is the Côtes du Jura Wine Region?

The Côtes du Jura AOC, the smallest wine-growing region in France was practically wedged between Burgundy and the Swiss Alps. Even in the age of established transportation networks, getting there is quite challenging, and fashion trends and technological innovations take a long time to reach the Côtes du Jura, influencing the preservation of some distinctive wine-making methods practiced by local winemakers for decades.

The vineyards of Côtes du Jura are scattered from north to south. It includes all the specific names of Jura: Arbois, Arbois-Pupillin, Chateau-Chalon, and L’Étoile geographically. The terroirs that can claim this name are consequently very diverse.

History of Côtes du Jura

The Côtes du Jura wine appellation, established by a decree on July 31, 1937, is the most comprehensive of the Jura appellations. It stretches from the north to the south of the vineyard, giving it a wide range of terroir contrasts. This makes it an excellent place to begin exploring the diverse expressions of the Jura's numerous grape types.

In 1937, the Côtes du Jura wine region identified approximately sixty communes. It now has 105 of them spread across 600 hectares of vines.  Arlay, Beaufort, Buvilly, Gevingey, Lavigny, Mantry, Passenans, Poligny, Rotalier, Saint-Lothain, Toulouse-le-Château, Le Vernois, Vincelles and Voiteur are the municipalities that represent the most important cultivated areas.

Terroir of Côtes du Jura appellation - Beyond the forests, beyond the mountains

This appellation encompasses a wide range of terroirs. Côtes du Jura soil consists of limestones, gravels, blue marks, and clay, in varying amounts depending on the areas’ (more calcareous in the southern part). The typical climate of the region is continental and semi-continental with little sunshine and cold winters. Summers are chilly, and spring frosts are frequent, therefore winegrowers plant vines on the southern slopes to guarantee that the fruits get the most sunlight.

Jura Vineyards

The mountain range that separates France and Switzerland is known as Jura. The Jurassic period began a few hundred million years ago, and it was here that the first stones of this age were discovered and documented, thus the name. The toponym translates to "land of woodlands" and has a Celtic etymology. This area contains one of the country's largest forests.

Grape varieties in Côtes du Jura: Savagnin, Chardonnay white grapes and Poulsard, Trousseau, and Pinot Noir for reds.

Côtes du Jura wine characteristics

Winemakers of Côtes du Jura can make inimitable wines with almost no counterparts in the world because of the region's indigenous grape varieties and unique climatic conditions. To recap, the Côtes du Jura's longest-lived wines are noted for their oxidative style, which can be difficult to grasp at first. So, what makes Côtes du Jura wines original? Let's take a deeper look at some of Côtes du Jura’s winemaking styles.

Vin Jaune literally translates as "yellow wine" and it is considered the most famous style of wine from the Côtes du Jura region. These wines can live in a bottle for decades, even though there are samples much older than 100 years. Traditionally, wines of this name are made from the Savagnin variety, which is harvested as late as possible (rarely with noble mold on the berries), after which the wines are aged in barrels. Unlike the vinification process typical for other regions of the country, in Côtes du Jura barrels are never filled to the top. The wine slowly evaporates, and a thin yeast "veil" forms on the surface over time protecting the wine from subsequent excessive oxidation. Yellow wines are characterized by a rich flavor, with a predominance of rich nutty notes and spicy tones in the taste. 

Wine Vin de Paille ("straw" wine) is made from dried grapes, which are left on straw mats for 6 weeks. Immediately after Christmas time, the berries are gently pressed, the juice is fermented and the wine is aged for several years. Vin de Paille is allowed to be produced from Chardonnay, Savagnin, and Poulsard. These wines have a deep color and a luxurious, rich aroma with dominant notes of raisins and walnuts. 

Jura France

Cremant du Jura. Côtes du Jura AOC produces sparkling wine, which, according to the laws of France, is included in the category of cremants. Local winemakers create their cremants from traditional sparkling wines of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir varieties. Sparkling wines of Côtes du Jura can be white or rose, they turn out fruity, fresh and crisp. 

Côtes du Jura wine tastings will open an incredible taste of these local wines, and introduce you to a new world of winemaking. 

Food to Pair with Côtes du Jura wine

Poulet à la comtoise

Poulet à la comtoise is a typical French dish from the Franche-Comté area. It comprises bresse chicken pieces simmered in a sauce made with Jura white wine, crème fraîche, and excellent Comté cheese. 

Croûte aux morilles

Croûte aux morilles is a typical French cuisine from the Franche-Comté area. A toasted piece of bread is served with morel mushrooms together in creamy sauce.  Croûte aux morilles is best eaten in April or May, when mushrooms are at their peak in the Franche-Comté forests. This meal is usually served with light-bodied white wines of Côtes du Jura.

Places to visit in Côtes du Jura 

Cascades du Hérisson 

In the heart of the French Jura Mountains, near the border with Switzerland, there is one of the most beautiful places in Europe: the waterfalls of Hérisson. The Hérisson river originates at the confluence of two small streams that feed on the waters of Lake Bonlier and Ili. In 2002, the river valley was recognized as a nature reserve with an area of 1200 hectares. The overall panorama from the Cascades du Hérisson hiking trail is fascinating: bare rocks, colorful forest and waterfalls - a truly balm for the soul of nature lovers. 

Poligny & Comté de Grimont

Travelers passing through the ancient province of Comté de Grimont will pass by numerous historical monasteries, convents, and cathedrals on their journey to Poligny, a picture-perfect medieval town. 

Gastronomy in the Comté de Grimont terroir is remarkable. Cured meats and Comté cheese, a matured cheese made from the milk of Montbéliarde cows grazing in the area's high-mountain meadows, are two regional gastronomic delicacies. 

The Comté de Grimont is also one of the most popular hiking destinations in the Cotes du Jura region. Over 200 kilometers of nature paths provide views of the region's diverse terrain, which includes valleys, vine-covered rolling hills, woods, lakes, and plains.

Comte Cheese Jura

An interesting fact about Côtes du Jura

 In addition to wines, the region produces quite popular cheeses, you may have heard about the local cheese "Laughing Cow" and the noble cheese Comté which holds the AOP (Appellation d'Origine Protégée) label on its production.

Explore Wineries in Côte du Jura

Frequently Asked Questions Côtes du Jura

Where is Côtes du Jura?

Jura is located between Burgundy in the west and Switzerland in the east.  It covers 105 communes of the Jurа, from Champagne-sur-Loup in the north to Saint-Amour in the south. The total area of the vineyards is 640 hectares, on which all varieties allowed in the region are grown.

What does Jura wine taste like?

Jura white wines are both light, refreshing drinks with good acidity, and juicy wines with a good body, having a well-developed aroma with tones of hazelnuts, almonds and walnuts in honey. 
Jura red wines are more often dry and saturated with aromas of flowers and fruits. Their delicate, refined taste conveys all the uniqueness of the local terroir. 
Jura rose wines are silky, tart drinks with a floral-fruity bouquet, good density and light ruby color, very similar to light red wines.

What grape is Jura wine?

There are five grapes allowed to produce a wine in Côtes du Jura AOC: Savagnin, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Poulsard and Trousseau. Chardonnay and Savagnin are used to make white wines. Red wines are usually a combination of Pinot Noir, Poulsard, and Trousseau. These wines are often linked to make rosé wines as well. Chardonnay produces exceptional sparkling wines.

Is Jura a good wine?

Côtes du Jura wines are red, white and rose that are of excellent quality. Vin de Paille (straw wine) and Vin de Jaune (yellow wine), as well as the iconic sparkling Cremant du Jura, are well-known among connoisseurs and specialists. The best Jura wines are distinguished by their age, high price, and unique production processes. Collectors of rare wines travel to France specifically for them.

Map of Wineries in Côte du Jura

Discover the locations of wineries in Côte du Jura