Jura Flashcards

1
Q

What is the signature grape of Jura?

A

Savagnin, a white grape descended from wild grapes. It is connected to a multitude of natural crosses. It has kinship to Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc, Sylvaner and Petit Manseng. Its aromatic version is Gewurtztraminer.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

What is the Percée du Vin Jaune?

A

An annual wine festival held to celebrate Vin Jaune from Jura.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

What are the diverse wine styles produced inJura?

A

Vin Jaune, (yellow wine),Vin de Paille, (straw wine), Macvin, ( fortified must), oxidative (sous voile), and non-oxidative, (ouillé), dry whites, and Crémant.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

Why is Jura regarded as on the “fringe”?

A

The fringe of France, the fringe of grape viability, the fringe of economic stability capable of withstanding natural and man-made disaster and fringe of fame.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

What challenges has Jura faced in the 19th and 20th century affecting its wine industry?

A

Powdery Mildew
Phylloxera;
Downy mildew;
Poor vintages;
WW1;
Depression;
WW2;
Great freeze

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

How much of Jura wine is exported?

A

Around 16%.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

There has been considerable consolidation in Jura. How is it reflected in production?

A

As of 2019, 53% of production carried out by three wineries (1 co-op and 2 negociants). Top 11 producers account for 60% of production.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

Who ruled Jura from Middle Ages to 17th century?

A

Dukes of Burgundy, the Habsburgs and Spain. It returned to France in 1678.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

What did the decrees of 1732 and 1774 seek to do in Jura?

A

They sought to reduce the number of approved grape varieties, unsuccessfully. In 1866 there were still 42 grape varities planted on almost 50,000 acres.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

Which technological change in the late 1800´s adversely affected the wine industry in Jura?

A

The advent of the railroad allowed cheaper more powerful wines from the south of France to compete for market share.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

How devastating was phylloxera to Jura?

A

It reduced the vineyards by 62% compared to 27% for France overall. Many vignerons planted hybrids and quality suffered. Many challenging slopes were left unplanted.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

How many vineyards remained after WW2? The Winter freeze of 1956?

A

In 1866 approx 50,000 acres.
After WW2 - less than 10,000 acres;
After 1956 freeze - about 5,000 acres.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

What was “ remembrement” in Jura?

A

The regional authority bought up land and consolidated small parcels into larger, more viable plots, laid access roads to allow equipment in.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

What % of total French production is from Jura?

A

Less than 1/2%.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

Where is Jura located?

A

It is in eastern France, sandwiched between Bourgogne and Switzerland, in the region of Bourgogne-Franche-Comte.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

How is the winegrowing region of Jura known. How large is it?

A

It is known as the Revermont. It is a narrow slice of land running north-south for about 50 miles from Saint Amour to Salins les Bains.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
17
Q

What is the climate of Jura?

A

The climate is Continental with alpine influences. It has long cold winters, very warm summers with cool nights. Annual rainfall is high at 1000-1500mm pa. There are about 1800-1900 hours of sunshine pa.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
18
Q

Why does Jura have higher rainfall levels?

A

The vineyards are located on west facing slopes of the Jura mountains. As the mountains block the moisture bearing west winds the rain falls year round on the westerly slopes.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
19
Q

What are the climate hazards in Jura?

A

Frost, hailstorms, rain during flowering and harvest. Disease pressure is heightened due to the rainfall.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
20
Q

What is the French term for a “blind valley”? What is it?

A

Reculée.
It is a deep, flat bottomed, narrow, steep-sided valley which ends/starts abruptly at the point where its stream emerges from underground.
It is a distinctive topography in Jura.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
21
Q

How is a blind alley formed?

A

It is formed where a layer of permeable rock or soil (eg limestone) rests atop an impermeable sublayer eg granite. An underground stream erodes the top layer down to the impermeable layer forming a valley which ends where the source emerges from underground.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
22
Q

What are the soils of Jura and how were they formed?

A

Jura was beneath an inland sea from 230-160 mya. Layers of marl (limestone-clays) formed as sea creatures died, accumulated and compacted.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
23
Q

What effect did the uplift of the Alps have on Jura?

A

When the Alps rose so did the Jura mountains. The Saône Graben formed. The Alps continued to push the Jura mountains west which created a series of folds of sedimentary rock forming plateaus and buttes.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
24
Q

What are the Graben uplifts and plain called?

A

On the west is the Morvan uplands and Côte d’Or escarpments. East is the Jura mountains. The Bresse Plain separates these uplifts.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
25
Q

Where are the vineyards of Jura located? What is their aspect and elevation?

A

Some are found on the foothills of the Jura mountains below the first/lower plateau, and some on the slopes of the detached limestone hills formed during the geological upheavals. They face south- or southwesterly at between 220-450 mtrs.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
26
Q

Howdo the soils of Jura differ from those of Côte d’Or?

A

Côte d’Or - 80% limestone, 20% clay;
Jura - 80% clay, 20% limestone.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
27
Q

What soil types are suitable for the grape varieties of Jura?

A

Red marl - red grapes;
Gray/blue marl - Savagnin and Poulsard;
Gravel - Trousseau and Pinot Noir;
Limestone/ limestone rich marl - Chardonnay

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
28
Q

Name the 5 main grape varieties of Jura. What plantings?

A

White - Savagnin (22%)and chardonnay (43%);
Rosé/Gris - Pinot Gris; (rare)
Red - Poulsard/Ploussard (14%), Pinot Noir (13%), Trousseau (8%).

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
29
Q

How is chardonnay used in Jura? Soil preference?

A

Mostly for crémant and 2/3rds of Jura whites. It prefers limestone soils.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
30
Q

How is Savagnin used in Jura? Soil preference?

A

It has high natural acidity so is ideal for Vin Jaune. Oxidative and non-oxidative whites.
Prefers grey/blue marl soil. Thick skin protects against mildews and rot.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
31
Q

How is Pinot Gris used in Jura?

A

It is rarely found but authorised for Cremant du Jura.

32
Q

What is Poulsard/Ploussard used for in Jura? Preferred soils?

A

It is used to craft pale coloured reds, rosés including Crémant du Jura rosé.
It also forms part of the blend for the sweet Vin de Paille.
It prefers gray/blue marls.

33
Q

How much Poulsard/Ploussard is planted in Jura

A

There is 14% of all grapes which is 40% of reds. It is indigenous to Jura. It is disease-prone and site sensitive and difficult to grow.

34
Q

How is Pinot Noir used in Jura? Preferred soils?

A

It is mainly grown in the southern regions and harvested first. It is used in Macvin du Jura and Cremant de Jura. It makes some red wine as well.
It prefers gravel soils. It is 13% of all grapes and 37% of red grapes.

35
Q

How is Trousseau used in Jura? Preferred soils?

A

It is used as a blend in Vin de Paille as well some varietal reds. It is native to Jura.
Prefers warm gravelly or stony soils or red marl on south-facing slopes as it requires more sunshine to ripen.
It also grown in Portugal as Bastardo.

36
Q

What are the challenges to viticulture in Jura?

A

Long, cold winters, copious rain and steep slopes. The wet climate engenders weed growth and the risk of fungal disease and rot is high.
The steep slopes make it difficult for mechanisation.
17% of vineyards are certified organic or biodynamic.

37
Q

What is Esca? Which varieties are susceptible to esca? How is it mitigated?

A

It is a trunk disease, a fatal bacterial infection that develops from pruning wounds.
Savagnin and Trousseau are susceptible.
It is mitigated by using the Guyot training method which is cane-pruning and has less pruning cuts.

38
Q

What is “with ullage”.

A

It is oxidative ageing mainly used on some white wines. A barrelis filled partly with wine but a space is left at the top of the barrel and NOT topped up. This exposes them to oxygen and creates a flor-like yeast to develop. ( Sous Voile)

39
Q

What is “without ullage”?

A

It is the topping up of the ageing vessel to avoid oxygen exposure (anaerobic or reductive as in conventional winemaking)

40
Q

How are Jura red wines made?

A

They are light coloured with high acidity and low tannins. They are made for early drinking, matured only in tank or large old casks and bottled in the first year. Some Poulsard wines are made by semi-carbonic maceration.

41
Q

What does “ouillé” mean?

A

It means “without ullage” i.e. topped up. Such a wine is made reductively with minimum oxygen exposure.
It is not a legally defined AOC term.

42
Q

Why is Savagnin made without ullage labelled “Ouillé?

A

It is normally made in an oxidative style i.e.with ullage. Therefore if it is not made this way it has to be flagged as such on the label.

43
Q

How are ouillé Savagnin wines labelled in Arbois AOC?

A

They are labelled Nature.

44
Q

What does “Sous Voile” mean?

A

It means with ullage/ under flor. It is a wine which has been subject to “controlled oxidation” through the semi-permeable surface flor.

45
Q

What are the aromas of sous voile wines?

A

Walnut, hazelnut and spice.

46
Q

How is a sous voile wine labelled in Jura?

A

The term “Tradition” is used but is not a legal AOC term.

47
Q

What is Vin Jaune and which grape/s are permitted?

A

Yellow wine made oxidatively. It can only be made from Savagnin.

48
Q

Which AOCs produce Vin Jaune?

A

All four - Arbois, Chateau Chalon, L’Étoile, Côte du Jura.

49
Q

What are the rules for Vin Jaune?

A

After fermentation, stored in old barrels with ullage (sous voile) with no temperature control;
Cannot be moved or topped up for 60 months;
Cannot be sold until six years and three months after vintage (or January 7 years after harvest);
Must be sold in 620ml CLAVELIN bottle.

50
Q

What are the characteristics of vin jaune?

A

The controlled oxidation delivers a wine with sherry character and long ageing potential ie decades.

51
Q

What is a Clavelin?

A

It is a traditional bottle of 620ml. It was thought that the loss of wine during ageing equated a litre to 620ml.

52
Q

Why is the clavelin permitted in the EU instead of the 750ml bottle.

A

In 1973 the EU drafted legislation to customise bottles and the clavelin was to be outlawed. However it was fiercely opposed and finally received official recognition in 1993.

53
Q

What is Vin de Paille?

A

It is a “straw wine”.

54
Q

How is Vin de Paille made?

A

Grape clusters are dried for a minimum of six weeks. Between December and February the dried grapes are pressed and fermented, followed by 18 months ageing in barrel. RS is 60-130g/l. Released after 36 months in 375ml bottles.

55
Q

Which grapes are used? Which AOCs are authorised to make Vin de Paille in Jura?

A

A blend of red and white grapes are used. Pinot Noir is FORBIDDEN.
Most are made from Chardonnay and Savagnin and Poulsard and occasionally Trousseau.
Côtes du Jura, Arbois and L’Étoile are authorised to make Vin de Paille.

56
Q

What is Macvin? Which grapes can be used?

A

It is a fortified must. It is made by adding MARC ( pomace and cap from grapes) to GRAPE MUST at 1/3 volume. The fortified slurry is pressed then aged for minimum 10 months. Final abv is 16-22% by volume.
Any of the five authorised varieties can be used.

57
Q

What is the law for the MARC used in Macvin?

A

It is made by distilling the pomace of Jura wine. It must be subject to a barrel regimen of 14 months before use in Macvin to fortify the must.

58
Q

Name the AOCs in Jura. Which is the largest in size?

A

Four geographical - Arbois, L’Étoile, Chateau-Chalon and Côte du Jura;
Two production method - Macvin and Crémant du Jura.
The largest is Arbois by size and volume. It was among the first AOC in France due to efforts of Alex Arpin.

59
Q

What are production % for each AOC?

A

Arbois - 41%;
Côtes du Jura- 26%;
Crémant du Jura - 18%;
Macvin du Jura - 7%;
L’Étoile - 5%;
Chateau-Chalon - 3%.

60
Q

When was Arbois AOC awarded? For which style? Authorised grape varieties? Soil types?

A

Awarded 1936 for dry white,Rosé, Red, Vin de Paille, Vin Jaune.
White: (P) Chardonnay, Savagnin;
Red : (P) Pinot Noir, Poulsard, Trousseau.
Soils are more red marls and heavy clays with some classic gray marls.
Name is derived from Celtic “ar” and “bois” meaning “fertile land”.

61
Q

Why is Arbois atypical of Jura?

A

It makes predominantly Red wine. It has one DGC, Pupillin, which can append its name to Arbois.

62
Q

Which is the second largest AOC in Jura?

A

Côtes du Jura by area and volume.

63
Q

When was Côtes du Jura AOC awarded? For which style? Authorised grape varieties?

A

Awarded in 1937 for dry white, Rosé, Red, Vin de Paille, Vin Jaune.
White: (P) Chardonnay, Savagnin;
Red : (P) Pinot Noir, Poulsard, Trousseau.

64
Q

When was L’Étoile AOC awarded? For which style? Authorised grape varieties?

A

Awarded 1937 for dry white, Vin de Paille, Vin Jaune.
White: (P) Chardonnay, Savagnin;
Red : (P) Poulsard.
Only whites produced - Vin de Paille is white even if produced from Poulsard.
Any reds are labelled Côtes du Jura AOC.

65
Q

What is L’Étoile name derived from?

A

It means “star”. It could be named from the five hills which surround the area and the limestone-clay-marl soils in the vineyards which have more limestone which is dotted with star shaped fossils - “pentacrinus”.

66
Q

When was Chateau-Chalon AOC awarded? For which style? Authorised grape varieties?

A

Awarded 1936 for VIN JAUNE ONLY.
Savagnin is only permitted grape.

67
Q

How is Vin Jaune described on the Chateau-Chalon AOC label?

A

It uses the term “vin de garde” (wine for cellaring).

68
Q

How are the vineyards of Chateau-Chalon assessed for producing and sellingVin de Jaune each year?

A

They are evaluated each year for grape’s potential abv, state of health and yield. If found unsatisfactory wine cannot be sold as Chateau-Chalon but as Côtes du Jura. Other wines not made from Savagnin must also be bottled as Côtes wine.

69
Q

When was Macvin du Jura AOC awarded? For which style? Authorised grape varieties?

A

Awarded 1991 for Vin de Liquer - white, rosé and red.
White - (P) Chardonnay, Savagnin ( for white versions);
Red - (P) Pinot Noir, Poulsard, Trousseau (for red,rosé versions).
Grapes can come from anywhere in the region.

70
Q

When was Crémant du Jura AOC awarded? For which style? Authorised grape varieties?

A

Awarded 1995 for Sparkling White and Rosé.
White - (P) Chardonnay, Savagnin;
Rosé/Gris - (S) Pinot Gris;
Red - (P) Pinot Noir, Poulsard, Trousseau.
Grapes can come from anywhere in the region.

71
Q

What are AOC laws for Crémant?

A

Most is white from 100% Chardonnay. The laws requires at least 70% Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and/or Trousseau.
Rosé must contain 50% or more of the red varieties and/or the rare Pinot Gris.

72
Q

Which Jura individuals contributed to mitigating the impact of phylloxera? Mildew?

A

Pierre Millardet and Jules Planchon. They pioneered the use of American rootstock and French vine grafts.
Millardet also created (bouillie bordelaise) Bordeaux Mixture which was used to combat mildew.

73
Q

What contribution was made to AOC development by a Jura native?

A

Alexis Arpin championed the idea of an appellation of controlled origin for Arbois. This led to Arbois becoming one of the first to receive AOC status in 1936.

74
Q

Which Jura winegrower created an ampelographic compendium in 1897?

A

Charles Rouget. He noted identical grape varieties assumed alternate names when grown on different sites and soils.

75
Q

Which famous French chemist and microbiologist was born in Dole in Jura in 1822?

A

Louis Pasteur who discovered the important role of yeast in alcoholic fermentation of wine.

76
Q

Which grape is known as Gamay Blanc or Melon d’Arbois in Jura?

A

Chardonnay