FAQ: The Jura

What is the Jura?

The Jura AOC is a teeny tiny appellation located in between Burgundy and Switzerland, nestled under the Jura mountain range. The region is home to mainly indigenous varietals, such as Poulsard, Trousseau, Savagnin, and two less obscure--Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Its most famous export is the legendary 'Vin Jaune' (Yellow wine), made from the Savagnin and aged much like Sherry under a layer of yeast called 'voilé.' However, unlike Sherry, the wine remains untouched in the same barrel for a minimum of 6-7 years before bottling. The resulting wine? A slightly oxidative, nutty , dry 'yellow' wine.  


Why have I never heard of the Jura?


Mainly because of the aforementioned size. Teeny. Tiny. Terroir. But what it lacks in size it makes up for in character! The Jura produces approximately .001% of ALL of France's wine; miniscule would be an understatement. Just to put things further into perspective, the Jura is planted to around 2,000 hectares of vines...Bordeaux is planted to 120,000! With so little wine to go around, the majority of it is consumed by the locals, and what does make it out of the country is usually allocated out in small quantities.

Why does Ancona's love the Jura so much?


Because we love the weird and wonderful! They are unique representations of their terroir, and are unlike any other wines you have tasted before. Poulsard, a personal favorite, makes lively rose-cranberry reds; while Trousseau makes more structured thought provoking wines, capable of aging for decades (we went to a Jean Bourdy dinner and had his 1965 Cotes du Jura Rouge...fresh as a daisy!). 


What is Arbois?


Arbois is a village and an appellation. One of the finest in the Jura. Arbois is known for reds from the Ploussard, Trousseau and Pinot Noir grapes; whites from Chardonnay and Savagnin.  Other appellations include:  Cremant du Jura, the sparkling wine AOC of the Jura, makes some killer bubbly at a very reasonable price. Chateau Chalon is a tiny village that only Grand Cru Vin Jaune Savagnin. 

Which names should I be looking for and what can I expect from the wines?


Our favorites? Jacques Puffeney, 'the Pope of Arbois', who just released his last vintage EVER (don't worry, we snagged some for you), Jean-Francois Bourdy, Domaine Rolet, Overnoy-Crinquand, Domaine de Montbourgeau...there are also a few producers new to the store this past month from Rosenthal Wine Merchants: Domaine du Pecheur and Domain Joseph Dorion.  Whether it be biodynamic, organic, no sulphur, and/or natural yeasts...nearly all of these guys are using only the most wholesome of winemaking practices.
 

There is a Jura wine for everyone, it just depends on your style. You like a little funk? We've got you covered. How about a poetically pretty red? Got that too. Just ask, we will be happy to steer you in the right direction.
 

 

The best way to contact us with questions is via email at:

 customerservice@anconaswine.com

Please email with questions only.

All Orders Must Still Be Placed Online

(We can't take orders via email... sorry)

Thank you for your support!

 -Mitch

ANCONA'S MIXED CASE DISCOUNT:
SAVE 6%* when you buy 6-11 bottles of wine.
SAVE 12%* when you buy 12 or more bottles of wine.

*Discount applies to 750ml only and does not apply to sale items.

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