Jura

The Jura is a region in eastern France, between Burgundy and Switzerland. Between Burgundy and the Jura is La Bresse, flat land lying on either side of the river Saône. The vines start when the ground begins to rise to the east and towards a large limestone plateau. The climate is continental, long cold winters and hot summers but with more rain than in Burgundy. The vineyard soils tend to be composed of mostly clay in the lower flat lands with more limestone-based soils in the higher elevation. Deposits of marl are scattered throughout the region with some of the area's most regarded vineyards being found on those sites. Many vineyard slopes are quite steep which creates problems with soil erosion.

The Jura is famous for its weird and wonderful red grape varieties. Pre-phylloxera, there were probably nearer 40 varieties. Now there are five, three lighter skinned reds with delicate tannins and two whites: Pinot Noir, Poulsard (also known as Ploussard) and Trousseau, along with Chardonnay and Savagnin (also known as naturé or fromentin) which makes the best of the Jura whites including the Vin Jaune and goes incredicly well with the local cheeses especially Comte.

Also made in Jura, a sparkling Crémant du Jura made from slightly unripe Chardonnay grapes, and a vin de liqueur known as Macvin du Jura made by adding marc to halt fermentation.