Wines from Jura

Jura = mountains, or that's what you probably think when you approach from the west - driving from Burgundy you feel you may need to attach crampons to your car as the mightily impressive Alps are the backdrop to this remote wine region. Local grapes abound here, planted in small patches, almost clinging to the rugged foothills and deep valley sides around the towns of Arbois, L'Etoile and Lons. White grapes with names such as Poulsard and Savignin make widely idiosyncratic and individual wines, often with crisp acidity and richly apple scented and semi-oxidised flavours, whilst the dark skinned red Trousseau makes a red that is light, fresh and shows an almost farmyard-like style that seems as if Pinot Noir has been crossed with Cabernet Franc.