Jura

1) This appellation is named after the city of the same name, it is located in the north of the Jura wine-growing region in France. It was the first area to be awarded AC classification in France in 1936, and ist he largest area in the region. The name has Celtic origins, and translates as “fertile soil”. Arbois is also the most important wine-producing centre of the region. It is here that the famous chemist Louis Pasteur (1822–1895) conducted his pioneering experiments on fermentation and oxidation. The vineyard area totals around 900 hectares, spread over 12 communes. The only commune that may display ist name on the label is Pupillin. Two thirds of the wines produced are either red or rosé, they are made from Trousseau, Poulsard and Pinot Noir. The white wines are made from Savagnin, Chardonnay and Pinot Blanc. The AC Arbois Mousseux applies to white sparkling wines made from the same varieties. The AC Arbois Vin de Paille applies to sweet vin de paille (straw wine) made from Poulsard, Trousseau, Savagnin and Chardonnay. The AC Arbois Vin Jaune applies to vin jaune made from Savagnin Blanc. Well-known producers include Lucien Aviet, Maurice Chassot, Domaine de la Croix d´Argis, Fruitière Vinicole de Pupillin, Domaine Michel Geneletti, Jean Pierre et Marie-France Ligier, Jean-François Nevers, Daniel Overnoy-Crinquand, Domaine Pierre Overnoy, Domaine de la Pinte, Jacques Puffeney, Domaine Rolet and Jacques Tissot. The most important négociant (wine merchant) in the region, with his headquartes in Arbois, is Henri Maire, who buys up, blends, matures, produces and markets around half the production of the Jura region. His branded wine „Vin Fou“ (English: „crazy wine“ – a vin jaune) is known all over France. He also owns the two estates Domaine de la Grange Villard and Domaine du Sorbief.

2) Synonym for a white grape variety; see under Arbois Blanc.