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Jura

France

About Jura

A small, fiercely independent wine region in the foothills of the Jura mountains, nestled between Burgundy and Switzerland. Jura produces some of France's most distinctive and unusual wines, from the oxidative Vin Jaune aged under a veil of yeast, to delicate reds from Trousseau and Poulsard, and complex whites from Chardonnay and Savagnin. With just four commune appellations, Arbois, Château-Chalon, L'Etoile, and the regional Côtes du Jura, this is a region where terroir and tradition create wines unlike anywhere else in the world.

Vintage Ratings

Rating:
5
4
3
2
1
PeakReadyHold
Year2023202220212020201920182017201620152014201320122011201020092008200720062005
Red
White

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Outstanding Jura Vintages

The best recent vintages rated excellent or exceptional.

Red

2022

At peak
Excellent

Hot, dry vintage. Ripe, concentrated reds with good quality.

2024Peak 2026–20292031

2020

At peak
Excellent

Very early harvest from a hot, dry summer. Concentrated, sun-kissed reds.

2022Peak 2024–20272029

2019

At peak
Exceptional

Outstanding vintage. Warm but with better freshness than 2018.

2021Peak 2024–20282030

2018

At peak
Excellent

Warm, generous vintage. Ripe, supple reds with good color and depth.

2020Peak 2022–20262028

2016

Drink now
Excellent

Small crop from April frost but excellent quality. Concentrated, aromatic reds.

2018Peak 2020–20252027

2015

Drink now
Excellent

Warm vintage with concentrated, generous reds. Trousseau was particularly successful.

2017Peak 2019–20242026

2010

Past window
Excellent

Excellent balance of fruit and freshness. Structured reds with aging potential.

2013Peak 2015–20202023

2009

Past window
Exceptional

Exceptional vintage. Warm, dry summer gave generous, concentrated reds with supple tannins.

2012Peak 2014–20212024

2005

Past window
Excellent

Excellent vintage with ripe fruit and good structure. Concentrated Trousseau and Poulsard.

2008Peak 2010–20172020

White

2023

Ready
Excellent

Very good whites with bright acidity and mineral character. Traditional Jura style.

2025Peak 2028–20312033

2022

Ready
Excellent

Rich, generous whites. Acidity held up better than expected.

2024Peak 2027–20302032

2020

At peak
Excellent

Ripe, powerful whites. Best from cooler, higher sites.

2022Peak 2025–20282030

2019

At peak
Exceptional

Exceptional whites with a rare combination of richness and vivacity.

2021Peak 2024–20292031

2018

At peak
Excellent

Rich, full whites. Warmth pushed ripeness but the best have enough acidity to age.

2020Peak 2023–20272029

2016

At peak
Excellent

Tight, mineral whites with superb acidity. Concentrated from low yields.

2018Peak 2021–20262028

2015

Drink now
Excellent

Full-bodied, ripe whites. The best producers achieved fine balance.

2017Peak 2020–20252027

2014

Past window
Excellent

Very good whites with tension and minerality. Excellent Chardonnay vintage.

2016Peak 2018–20232025

2010

Drink now
Exceptional

Outstanding whites combining richness with vibrant acidity. Great Savagnin and Chardonnay.

2013Peak 2016–20232026

2009

Past window
Excellent

Rich, opulent whites. Some lacked acidity but the best are beautifully balanced.

2011Peak 2014–20202023

2005

Past window
Excellent

Rich, balanced whites with good acidity. Chardonnay and Savagnin both performed well.

2008Peak 2011–20192022

Appellations

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Terroir & Character

Climate

continentalwarm summerscold winters

Continental climate with cold winters and warm summers, moderated by altitude. Late harvests are common due to the cooler temperatures, allowing grapes to develop intense flavors while retaining bright acidity.

Terroir

mineral-richmarlclaylimestone

Complex geology featuring limestone, clay, and marl soils from ancient Jurassic seabeds (giving the region its name). Steep vineyard slopes face south and southwest to maximize sun exposure in this cool climate, while fossil-rich limestone imparts distinctive mineral notes to the wines.

Typical Aromas

green walnutcurry spiceyellow applewet limestoneoxidative sherry notesdried herbs
Explore the aroma wheel

Classification System

Jura has a simple hierarchy of commune appellations within the broader regional AOC. The region is best known for its unique Vin Jaune and Vin de Paille styles.

Château-Chalon

Commune AOC exclusively for Vin Jaune from Savagnin

Arbois

Largest commune AOC, reds, whites, and Vin Jaune

L'Etoile

Small commune AOC for whites and sparkling

Côtes du Jura

Regional AOC covering the entire Jura vineyard area

Grapes of Jura

Chardonnay

white
Body
Sweetness
Acidity
green applelemonpearmelon

The most planted grape in Jura, producing mineral, nutty whites often with subtle oxidative notes.

Pinot Noir

red
Body
Tannins
Sweetness
Acidity
strawberryraspberryred cherryviolet

Used for reds and rosés, often blended with Trousseau and Poulsard for added structure.

Poulsard

red
Body
Tannins
Sweetness
Acidity
strawberryrosecherrycranberry

A delicate, pale red grape unique to Jura, producing light, perfumed wines often compared to Pinot Noir.

Savagnin

white
Body
Sweetness
Acidity
walnutgreen applecitrushoney

The signature grape of Jura, used for the legendary Vin Jaune. Produces both oxidative and ouillé (topped-up) styles.

Trousseau

red
Body
Tannins
Sweetness
Acidity
red cherryplumpepperherbs

A native red grape giving structured, spicy wines with surprising depth and aging potential.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Jura wine special?▼
Jura is all about uniqueness - they make Vin Jaune, an oxidative white aged under a veil of yeast that tastes like nothing else in France, almost sherry-like but distinctly its own thing. The region also produces incredibly delicate, pale reds from Trousseau and Poulsard that are ethereal and food-friendly. Plus, Jura winemakers are fiercely independent and stick to traditional methods that have been used for centuries.
What are the best Jura vintages?▼
Recent standouts include 2020 and 2022 for both reds and whites, which were hot, dry years that produced concentrated, ripe wines. 2023 looks excellent for whites with bright acidity and classic mineral character. The concentrated 2020 reds are particularly impressive, though they benefit from cooler, higher elevation sites.
What grapes are grown in Jura?▼
For whites, they grow Savagnin (the star grape for Vin Jaune) and Chardonnay, which makes excellent traditional-style wines here. The reds are Trousseau, Poulsard, and some Pinot Noir. Trousseau and Poulsard are indigenous varieties that produce these wonderfully light, perfumed reds that are completely different from what most people expect.
Is 2023 a good year for Jura?▼
Yes, 2023 is very good for Jura whites - they have that bright acidity and mineral character that defines traditional Jura style. The vintage gets a solid 4/5 rating, so you're looking at wines with excellent balance and典型的 Jura character.
When should I drink Jura 2023?▼
You can start drinking Jura 2023 whites now through the next 5-7 years - they're showing beautifully with that bright acidity. If you're talking about Vin Jaune from 2023, that won't be released until around 2030 since it needs at least 6 years and 3 months of aging. The regular Chardonnay and Savagnin blends are drinking great right now.
What food pairs well with Jura wines?▼
Jura wines are incredibly food-friendly - the light reds like Trousseau and Poulsard are perfect with roasted chicken, salmon, or mushroom dishes. Vin Jaune is classic with Comté cheese (they're from the same region) or rich, creamy sauces. The mineral-driven whites pair beautifully with freshwater fish, particularly trout, and anything with brown butter or hazelnuts.
How does Jura compare to Burgundy?▼
While they're neighbors, Jura is much more rustic and unconventional compared to Burgundy's elegance. Jura's Chardonnay tends to be more mineral and less oaked than white Burgundy, and their light reds are completely different - more ethereal and delicate than Pinot Noir. Think of Jura as Burgundy's eccentric mountain cousin who marches to their own drum.

Map data: INAO