L'Étoile AOP French wine appellation guide: location, history, wines, climate & soil
L'Étoile is the smallest and most original appellation of the Jura, devoted to white wines, including the famous oxidative Vin Jaune and sweet Vin de Paille.
More info about L'Étoile AOP
Geographic position
Eastern France, in the Jura department, a few kilometres north of Lons-le-Saunier, around the villages of L'Étoile, Plainoiseau, Quintigny and Saint-Didier, on hills at the foot of the Jura mountains.
Origin & history
The appellation takes its name, "the star", from the five hills that surround the village and from the small star-shaped fossils of sea lilies (crinoids) found in its soils. Vines were grown here in the Middle Ages, and L'Étoile became an AOC in 1937.
Wines & grape varieties
White wines only, from Chardonnay, Savagnin and a little Poulsard (vinified as white). Styles include fresh and "sous voile" whites, Vin Jaune aged six years under a veil of yeast, Vin de Paille and sparkling wine.
Climate & soil
Semi-continental climate with cold winters. Marl and limestone rich in marine fossils give tension, minerality and nutty complexity.
Wine region: Jura
Grape varieties: Chardonnay, Savagnin