WINES FROM JURA

 

 

Located east of Burgundy, this hilly region offers unique wines. The vineyards are very ancient. They exist, at least, since the roman conquest and were very appreciated by dignitaries. Henri IV was very fond of them. I am originated from this lovely area and visit every year. We tour the wineries, churches, museums and eat the best local specialties!

 Despite long winters and irregular summers, 5 varieties of vines are cultivated in the clayey terrains:

– Chardonnay and Savagnin for white wines,

– Pinot Noir, Trousseau and Poulsard for red wines.

High quality sparkling wine (Cremant du  Jura) is also produced from mixing different grapes.

The wines from Jura, especially Vin Jaune and Vin de Paille are considered among the greatest in France and unique in the entire world!

The particularity of the Vin Jaune (made exclusively with Savagnin) is its winemaking. After fermentation, the wine is aged in barrels for 6 years, sometimes more. The result is a golden wine, heady, with a powerful “bouquet” and lingering finish! After this time, the wine is placed in special bottles named “clavelins” (62 cl) and can be kept for over a century! This fantastic wine can be served with a Coq au Vin Jaune, morels and mushrooms cooked with cream, lobster, duck a l’orange, smoked sausages in a brioche, cheeses such as Comte and Roquefort.

Vin de Paille is also superb! It’s very rare and difficult to find. After 6 years of patience, the wine is rich with an impressive and very concentrate bouquet. This sweet wine is perfect with all desserts.

Red wines can be served with cold cuts (Poulsard), duck breast, chicken, white meat (Trousseau).

Macvin, eau de vie from grapes, is served as an aperitif by itself or mixed with Cremant du Jura and a few raisins placed on the bottom of the champagne glass.

“La route des vins” is only 4 hours away from Paris to discover beautiful landscapes and taste some unforgettable wines!