AOC Côtes du Jura

The AOP Côtes du Jura is the historic foundation of the Jura vineyards. Spanning the entire Jura department, this emblematic appellation embodies the diversity, uniqueness and depth of the wines from this region that stands apart in the French wine landscape. Renowned for its ability to produce white, red, rosé and sparkling wines of great personality, the Côtes du Jura PDO is today establishing itself as one of the most dynamic and respected appellations, thanks in particular to the massive commitment of its winegrowers to organic viticulture.

The history of Côtes du Jura is intimately linked to that of Jura viticulture, whose origins date back to antiquity. Developed by the Romans, then structured by monastic communities in the Middle Ages, grape-growing gradually established itself as a central activity in the region. The Côtes du Jura appellation d'origine contrôlée was officially recognized in 1937, making it one of the oldest AOCs in France. This recognition enshrines ancestral know-how and a viticultural identity founded on the expression of terroirs and autochthonous grape varieties.

The vineyards of the AOP Côtes du Jura extend over a mosaic of hillsides and plateaus situated between the Bresse plain and the first foothills of the Jura massif. The vines are planted on complex soils dominated by blue and grey Lias marl, mixed with limestone and scree. These heavy, demanding soils are one of the keys to the typicality of Jura wines, giving them structure, minerality and aromatic depth. Each parcel, each exposure and each altitude contributes to the diversity of expression within the appellation.

The climate of the AOP Côtes du Jura is semi-continental, characterized by harsh winters, hot summers and marked thermal amplitudes. These climatic conditions favor slow, complete ripening of the grapes, while preserving high natural acidity. This structural freshness is essential to the balance of the wines and is one of the distinguishing features of Côtes du Jura, for both white and red wines.

The grape varieties of the AOP Côtes du Jura reflect the richness and originality of the Jura vineyards. Savagnin, the region's emblematic grape variety, occupies a central place and expresses itself both in its wilted version and when matured under veil. Chardonnay, perfectly adapted to marl soils, brings elegance, tension and complexity. Traditional red grape varieties, Poulsard and Trousseau, complemented by Pinot Noir, produce fine, easily digestible wines with a strong sense of identity. This varietal diversity enables the appellation to offer a range of styles that is unique in France.

Organic viticulture is now a fundamental pillar of the AOP Côtes du Jura. Jura is among the French regions most committed to organic and biodynamic farming, with a proportion of certified estates well above the national average. This choice, motivated by respect for the soil and the search for a sincere expression of terroir, is in keeping with a tradition of demanding, artisanal viticulture. Working the soil, limiting inputs and carefully observing the vines produce grapes of the highest quality, essential for the production of precise, well-balanced wines.

In the cellar, the winemaking philosophy of Côtes du Jura favors minimal intervention and respect for the grape. Fermentations are often carried out using indigenous yeasts, ageing is adapted to the style sought, and the use of sulfur is controlled. White wines matured in oak barrels, protected from oxidation, offer a pure, crystalline interpretation of the terroir, while wines matured under sail perpetuate a unique age-old know-how, giving rise to highly complex aromatic profiles. Red wines, generally not very extracted, favor finesse, freshness and expression of fruit.

The white wines of AOP Côtes du Jura are distinguished by their tension and depth. Oiled Savagnins reveal citrus, green apple and spice aromas, carried by a marked saline minerality. The Chardonnays, straightforward and elegant, develop floral and fruity notes, sometimes complemented by a hint of smoke. Wines aged under sail, meanwhile, offer characteristic aromas of walnut, curry and dried fruit, with a powerful, structured mouthfeel.

The Wines are made from the best grapes in the world.

The red wines of the Côtes du Jura PDO express a singular identity, far removed from international standards. Poulsard seduces with its lightness, finesse and aromas of small red fruits. Trousseau brings more structure and spice, while Pinot Noir offers a more classic interpretation, but still marked by Jura freshness. These wines, often organically farmed, stand out for their drinkability and precision.

At the table, these wines are a perfect complement to the wines of the Jura.

At the table, AOP Côtes du Jura demonstrates great gastronomic versatility. White wines are a natural accompaniment to Jura cheeses, fish and poultry, while reds go well with simple, flavorful dishes, highlighting the finesse of the tannins and the freshness of the fruit. This ability to dialogue with gastronomy contributes greatly to the appellation's appeal and modernity.

Today, the AOP Côtes du Jura is asserting itself as one of France's most authentic and inspiring wine appellations. Driven by a new generation of winemakers committed to organic viticulture and growing international recognition, it embodies a rare balance between tradition and innovation. The Côtes du Jura thus offer wines with a profound sense of identity, sincere and lively, faithful reflections of a demanding terroir and unique know-how.

Discover Jura wines from Domaine Bénédicte et Stéphane Tissot, from domaine Berthet-Bondet or from domaine de la Pinte.