Côtes du Jura French wine appellation guide: location, history, wines, climate & soil
Côtes du Jura is the largest appellation of the Jura, covering every style the region is famous for: delicate reds, mineral Chardonnay, nutty Savagnin, Vin Jaune and Vin de Paille.
More info about Côtes du Jura
Geographic position
Eastern France, in the Jura department between Burgundy and Switzerland, on the western foothills of the Jura mountains from Salins-les-Bains south to Saint-Amour, around Lons-le-Saunier.
Origin & history
Vines have grown here since Roman times, and the Jura's wines were favored by the Dukes of Burgundy. Louis Pasteur studied fermentation near Arbois in the 19th century. The Côtes du Jura AOC was created in 1937.
Wines & grape varieties
Whites from Chardonnay and Savagnin, made topped-up (ouillé) or oxidatively under a veil of yeast; reds and rosés from Poulsard, Trousseau and Pinot Noir; plus Vin Jaune and sweet Vin de Paille.
Climate & soil
Cool semi-continental climate with cold winters and hot summers. Blue, grey and red Triassic and Liassic marls with limestone give tension and minerality.
Wine region: Jura
Grape varieties: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Savagnin, Trousseau