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The wines of the Jura are seldom seen and little known in the UK. These wines can be quite distinctive and in addition to familiar grape varietals such as Chardonnay they also use local grapes such as Savignin ( a cousin of Alsace Gewurztraminer), and Poulsard, a distant relative of Pinot Noir.

Jura Wine is a specialist independent wine merchant in Birmingham who specialises in the wines of the Jura - and specifically the wines of Domaine Tissot.

Jurawine collects the wines in person from our supplier, Domaine Tissot and arranges courier delivery to you throughout the UK.
Jura is part of the region known as Franche Comte and lies in eastern central France between Burgundy & Switzerland. This beautiful area has fine gastronomic traditions, including unusual wine festivals

Specialities of the region include “Vin de Paille” (straw wine), where the grapes are laid out on straw mats to shrivel and concentrate the juices producing delicious, long-lasting sweet wines; and Vin Jaune (yellow wine) which is made from Savignin grapes in a manner similar to Sherry!
Jura Wine - , 1 Augusta Rd, Acocks Green, BIRMINGHAM, B27 6LA
E-Mail: jurae@jurawine.com Tel: 0121 243 4042 Mbl: 07850 845518 Fax: 07092 888372

Another merchant who specialises in Jura & neighbouring Arbois wines (and others including Gaillac and Languedoc) is Devigne Wines (and Confit Direct) in Edinburgh (Tel: 0131 664 9058
Fax: 05600 756287, info@devignewines.co.uk)

A good starting point for getting to know the region and its wines could be John & Carolyn Scallan at their B&B at Sens-sur-Seille (71 Saone et Loire, Bourgogne)

See our customised, searchable map of the region

For more info on the wines of the Jura see the official Wines of the Jura site

Waitrose (online and in its stores) launches its French Wine Showcase on 26 March 08 - running through to 27 April 2008 this will feature a total of 48 wines.

As well as our usual French favourites, the showcase will also see the launch of four new wines to the range, including the delightful Taittinger Rose NV and the excellent value Domaine des Eyssards Bergerac Rouge.

Unusually for a major supermarket (and greatly to be welcomed) Waitrose will be featuring 13 specially sourced small parcel wines from a wide range of less well-known appellations such as:

Quincy (crisp Sauvignon Blancs from the Loire), Provence and Lirac (Southern Rhone) and the wonderfully unusual Pierre Boniface Domaine des Rocailles Apremont de Savoie 2007 and La Bastide Blanche Bandol (rich Mourvedre red from east of Marseille).

Waitrose Wine Direct

Try the east for a change? One area well known to British wine drinkers but less well known to Britons is Burgundy. Only 5 - 6 hours from the Channel Ports or 90 minutes from Geneva or Lyon airports this area abounds with small villages, individual cuisine and lots and lots of really fine wines.

“We’re biased. We live in a small village in the extreme east of Burgundy, right on the border with the Jura Department and we love it here” say John & Carolyn Scallon at www.bandb-burgundy.com who offer excellent accommodation (4 individually decorated bedrooms with en-suite facilities) in the heart of south Burgundy at Sens-sur-Seille (71 Saone-et-Loire, Burgundy) east of Chalon-sur-Saone.

They have provided a personalised guide to visiting the vineyards of Burgundy - see http://www.frenchduck.co.uk/B&BBurgundy.html , This is great as Burgundy is one of the wine regions which I know least well, as it did not really fit my focus on “lesser known French wines” in my wine merchant days. So it is good to get advice from someone who knows the region well.
My most memorable Burgundy was imbibed at Nuits-Saint-Georges, where we stayed for a night about 20 years ago. As is usual, we opt for the local wine in the restaurant - a Clos la Marechal from Faiveley, which was smooth and creamy with oaky lush cherry fruit. Sadly every red burgundy since has been a bit of a disappointment, in part because Pinot Noir tends to be a bit tempremental, and Burgundy’s weather can be quite variable. Last time I looked it was about £25.00 a bottle, which is the other problem with Burgundy - it tends to be pricey! However find the right one and you could be in heaven. See Faiveley’s website (under construction)

A highlight of the wine year has to be Yapp’s pre-Christmas sale which runs on 23 and 24 November 2007 (9am-5pm) at their delightful premises in Mere, Wiltshire. The setting is the Old Brewery and the range of wines on their list is an impressive choice of some of the best and most interesting growers in the Loire and Rhone, Provence, Alsace, Champagne, the Savoie, Roussillon, the Midi and Corsica.
To add to the offerings there is also an exhibition of contemporary still life paintings running from 9th-29th November 2007.
Amongst my selections from their list (not necessarily in the sale) I would highlight:-
- the Pic St Loup wines of Mas Bruguière (Languedoc)“.. rich, compelling wines with vivid garrigue fruit aromas, an earthy palate and good firm tannins.”;
- Menetou-Salon AC Domaine Jean Teiller (Loire) - “An atypically fruity wine with a scent of newly mown grass. The ripe, juicy palate yields a fresh, dry finish.”;
- the biodynamic Savennieres AC Coulée de Serrant (Loire) ;
- the red, white and rosé Lirac ACs from la Fermade (Rhone) “Sweet black cherry, touch of roasted sage, good brisk tannins - this is a Rhône red of finesse “;
- Bunan’s intense Bandol AC Mas de la Rouvière (Provence)“A deep ruby colour with intense aromas of truffles and peppers. The palate displays liquorice and tobacco with plenty of firm tannins.”
And let us not ignore some of the lesser-known offerings of Jasnières AC and Thouarsais (Loire); and the selection of wines from Savoie and Corsica.

Yapp Brothers Ltd, The Old Brewery, Mere, Wiltshire BA12 6DY

Few things beat a little local knowledge to point you in the right direction when visiting an unfamiliar region of France. John Scallan who runs a B&B in southern Burgundy reports:-

“Over in the Jura there are things to do. Particularly interesting is a guided wine-tasting through the wines of the Jura in historic Chateau Chalon.

Every Tuesday until 29th August, at 20:30, six vignerons bring one example of their work to a tasting evening. A Professor of wine talks you through the wines of the Jura, their individualities, quirks, and characteristics and how to taste them! How to recognise the alcohol content from swirling the wine around the glass, developing and recognising the aromas, and finally the taste. Once all the theory has been dealt with you get to taste the wines! Much chat, people in the audience being asked their opinion, what can they smell, and or taste in each of six different types of wine.

The range of Jura wines is well covered. You’ll start with a Cremant (Sparkling wine), go next to a Red, either Poulsard, Trousseau (you’ve not heard of those have you) or Rubis (Pinot Noir with Trousseau mix). Following that is a Chardonnay, as unlike a Chablis or Californian Chardonnay as is possible to find, thence to a Chardonnay/Savagnin (yes the spelling is correct) mix which starts you off on the typical Jurascian tastes. Next is the classic Chateau Chalon Vin Jaune. A white wine which positively mugs the unaware. Finishing with a Macvin (mix of Marc du Jura and grape juice).

The whole evening will take about 2 - 2½ hours and costs the princely sum of € 5! (2006 prices, and you get to keep the glass!)
Booking is advised from the Tourist Office in Chateau Chalon infos@hauteseille.com. Good French is definitely helpful but not totally necessary.”

For more info on the B&B in Burgundy see http://www.bandb-burgundy.com/

“Pique-Nique Vigneron” - Now that does sound a great idea! Whilst it was once quite interesting to view and admire a vigneron’s wine cellar with its shiny stainless steel vats or older cement “cuves” it can get a little tiresome. For me the main reason for visiting “backstage” is to get an impression of the tidiness, cleanliness and organisation of the wine-making area - and even that is not always a reliable indicator. I have tasted some really excellent wines made in old, chaotic cellars, whilst gleaming stainless steel (“inox”) and ploshed floors do not guarantee that the wine in the bottle will be faultless.
Wine is for drinking and enjoying, so the idea of tasting wine in the winemaker’s garden sounds just perfect, as suggested by John Scallan at who runs a B&B in the Jura region at www.bandb-burgundy.com/ - so get to know these lesser-known wines whilst having a great family day out!

Each year several of the wine makers on the “Route des Vins du Jura” have their version of an “Open day”. As most of them are tiny producers this can’t really take the form of visits around the wineries as that would take about three minutes flat but what they do is host picnics!
Sunday 10th June this year. Over 40 wine makers are taking part, and they provide the tables, chairs, some of them provide “animations”, most provide visit to the cellars, some of them provide tours around the vineyards and all provide tastings of the Jura’s highly individualistic wines. All you provide is yourself and the picnic! You can telephone each wine maker that you wish to attend (or we can for you) and the world is your oyster.
From here it is about 18 kms to the nearest wine maker in the “Route”, Jean Bourdy at the stunningly picturesque village of Arlay. His family have been making wine here for nearly 500 years and they have plans for a small museum and other attractions. They will also give you a booklet detailing several small walks around the village (if the picnic was rather large!). We recently treid his Macvin, a local speciality, which has had about 15 herbs and spices added to it to an ancient family recipe. Wow!!
There are other areas that have a couple of wine makers close to each other and some that can arrange pick ups from a nearby point. The fun usually starts at about 1000 and goes on to 1800 ish (later if the weather is really good and there is some wine left.

For more info see www.laroutedesvinsdujura.com
www.bandb-burgundy.com/

Recommended Reading:-
IGN Jura Wines Map
Michelin Green Guide to Burgundy and Jura

Turning left off the Autoroute du Soleil (A6) at Chalon-sur-Saone or Beaune heading south has much to offer. Instead of hurtling south towards Lyon and Provence why not explore eastern Burgundy and the Jura. Our resident exoert on the region, John Scallan at www.bandb-burgundy.com/ offers some ideas for May 2007:-

Enough of all these wine festivals in Bordeaux and such like. “Head East young man!” (to paraphrase somebody famous) This year the end of May Bank Holiday coincides with the traditional Whit holiday in France and there are all sorts of activities going on. There is still a move in government circles to get the populace working for nothing on Whit Monday with their pay to go to the old and sick but that seems to have come up against the might of the French union system and as such is now fairly well scuppered.

Chalon-sur-Saone(71 Saone et Loire, Burgundy), about 35 kilometres from us, hosts the 21st annual “Montgolfiades” a balloon festival that is nearly on a par with Bristol. Balloons come from all over Europe, including various from Britain and they fly, weather permitting, morning and evenings on Saturday & Sunday and Monday morning. The balloonists are accommodated in Cote Chalonnaise wine makers houses for the duration of the festival and there is traditionally one flight where they all take off from there rather than the main field. The whole Cote is alive with colour. As with all balloon festivals the morning flights are more for the real enthusiast with their 6.00am take offs but should you stay with us and wish to get up early then we guarantee to send you off with hot coffee, a croissant or two, orange juice and perhaps a bottle of something fizzy to put in it. Just give us 24 hours notice. The Sunday evening flight is the highlight when all of the balloons form up on the “Prairie de St. Nicolas” just to the east of Chalon. There are fairground rides and all sorts of attractions and would probably be just about the right thing to do after a wander around the market in the old town. Interesting and colourful. Great place to pick up a picnic for lunch, the rotisserie chickens are to die for. More details will be available soon from the Chalon sur Saone website:- www.chalon-sur-saone.net

Chalon sur Saone Tourist Office have got a link going with a couple of British guys who own a cruising “Peniche” called the DELTA They do lunch and dinner cruises several days a week and on Wednesdays do a lunchtime picnic cruise where you bring you own picnic and they just take you for a little run up and down the mighty Saone. Their website is www.croisieres-saonoises.fr and booking through the tourist office is compulsory. We had guests who stayed with us last year who tried the picnic cruise and thought it marvellous.

Should you be in the area on Whit Monday and not so keen on a 0500 alarm call then you might like to visit the Market at Louhans (18 kms from us). This takes over the whole town centre and is usually open all day on Bank Holidays. Parking can be a bit of a bind but if you get into Louhans for 0900 then there shouldn’t be a problem (Just think that you could have been going to the Balloon festival and regard it as a lie-in). This is the fourth largest agricultural market in France and makes me wonder how big the top three are! The main street through the town is closed to traffic as are all of the side streets in the old town centre. You can buy virtually anything you may need, and an awful lot that you don’t! The large car park by the Post office is completely given over to livestock. Not to every one’s taste but should you wish to buy some chickens (The Bresse is world famous in France for producing the best poultry in the world!) or rabbits or whatever…….Please don’t buy any Charolais cattle though, we could be in trouble trying to feed them until you leave.For more info see www.bresse.info

Jura wine is something that not many Brits know about, Jura whisky perhaps, but wine? The Committee Interprofessional de Vins du Jura is doing it’s bit to try and rectify this. In addition to running courses for its wine makers in how to speak English they have just set up a Tourist Route similar to that in Burgundy. Website address www.laroutedesvinsdujura.com or you can reach it from www.jura-vins.com. There are details of wine makers, accommodation, restaurants etc. etc. all there for the finding out. It might give you a clue as to who was in charge of the English class when we reveal that despite being 15 kms from the nearest vine-yards we are in the guide. We have the zeal of new converts and will do our best to help you to see the error of your ways (!!!). We offer a special meal featuring wines from the Jura with each course for 35 Euros per person. The wine makers open their cellars for tastings regularly, some each day, others by appointment, and they would be very surprised if somebody was to buy without tasting. These wines are not cheap but by dint of diligent research (on behalf our guests you understand) we know of several “caves” where the produce is of absolutely top quality. It was hell, but we did it all the same! For more info see www.bandb-burgundy.com

Down in the Jura, preparations are in hand for the annual wine festival - the Percée du Vin Jaune 2007 at Salins-les-Bains (39 Jura, Franche-Comté -- see map).
For an insiders view and tips, John and Carolyn Scallon who run a B&B at Sens-sur-Selle offer the following thoughts - AND are also offering a weekend special:- 2 nights B&B accommodation with a special tasting dinner featuring many of the wines of the Jura.

“Once again it is approaching the first weekend in February and once again the Jurascian wine world is bracing itself for it’s big weekend out. The Percée du Vin Jaune is this year taking place in the Spa town of Salins les Bains on Saturday 3rd & Sunday 4th Feb. The caves are open from approx 1300 - 1800 each day.
After the success of last years event in Lons le Saunier where approximately 40,000 people paid to taste up to 10 wines Salins has taken on the challenge. As the Percée is a moveable feast the host for next year’s bash is already being chosen. It is the turn of the Southern Revermont for 2008 with the tiny village of Vincelles, near Beaufort among the candidates. Should they be awarded the Percée it will be a return to the old style of hosting where the visitors outnumber the hosts by about 50 to 1!
What is the Percée? Simply it is the release of the new vintage of Vin Jaune, probably the most celebrated of the AOC’s of the Jura. Don’t be surprised if you haven’t heard of it. As yet few in Britain have but there’s always hope. Unlike the release of the Beaujolais Nouveau which has spent almost two months in the vat (and sometimes appears to have spent far less) Vin Jaune has spent six years three months in second hand oak barrels (bought from Burgundy vignerons) prior to it’s release. All this waiting means the wine has to be something special.
The festival is run by a different town or village each year and this year the most northerly town within the Jura vignoble has opened it’s doors and cellars to the wine drinking public. Every cellar, shop store room and the like will be rented out by their owners to either the winemaker direct or to the CIVJ (Comite Inter-professional Vins du Jura). As well as the cellars there will be a few marquees for a couple of the larger producers and the ubiquitous food stalls. You need something to soak up the wine!
Last year was the first time that the Percée had taken place in a town centre, previously they had been held in a different village each year, but there will be a difference in ambience again this year. Salins les Bains is a much smaller town than Lons le Saunier and because of it’s history as a Spa town has quite a few facilities for visitors. The 70 (approx) winemakers who chose to exhibit their wines at the Percée will stretch out along the whole length of the town and attempt to lure you in to taste, and hopefully buy. The routine is that you park nearby in special car parks and either walk to the centre or catch a free bus. Those who are going to taste the wine pay the entry fee (in 2006 it was €10) and receive an engraved tasting glass and 10 tickets.
The tickets are in three different colours. 6 of them (yellow in 2006) will entitle you to a tasting measure of Cotes du Jura, Crémant (please try this, it can be stunning) and other “normal” wines. Please note that Jura wines can be very different from what you expect. If you are expecting a dry Chablis style Chardonnay because it’s the same grape variety forget it. You have to taste it to get to know it in the Jura. 3 of the tickets (orange in 2006) are for the Vin Jaune or it’s slightly upmarket brother Chateau Chalon. This is the special wine, not made by all of the exhibitors, that is being “feted” this weekend. Matured in old oak barrels and never topped up in it’s six year three months maturation this wine has a taste that really will make you think. The remaining ticket (orange and yellow in 2006) entitles you to a measure of Macvin. Not a wine found in MacDonalds but a blend of grape juice and Marc du Jura. This is the spirit that is distilled from the pips, stalks and skins of the grapes that have been pressed. The net result is a sweet aperitif style wine of about 15 - 16 degrees. The largest producer in the Jura, Henri Maire, doesn’t accept the tickets but just hands out free wine! However they have a very active team of salesmen on hand in their marquee and getting away without buying will take a big effort, especially if you’re visiting them last!
Should you be driving or a lifelong teetotaller with a masochistic streak you don’t have to pay to get in. As the event is on the main street and the shops are open in the normal way the organisers can’t stop you from just walking up the main road. You don’t get the tasting tickets and glass but you can just wander around to your hearts content .The driver can leave the car keys at the Police tent near the main entrance and, on returning, blow into the breathalyser, pass the test, receive the keys back and an engraved glass. If you wish to borrow a glass and a ticket from your friends that’s up to you. The measures are not large, you are there, allegedly, to taste different wines, not to get slaughtered. Drivers be warned. French Police do not need a reason to stop you for a breath test, and our own experience will tell you that they will be on most of the roads leaving Salins on the lookout.
All in all it is a very special weekend with the great and the good of the Jura wine world there, a good time being had by all, and it will probably snow! It has both times we’ve been! Fear not though, the wine keeps you warm. Here at Chateau Scallan (www.bandb-burgundy.com) we’re offering weekend special, 2 nights B&B accommodation with a special tasting dinner featuring many of the wines of the Jura, all for €80 per person based on two sharing a twin/double room. All of our knowledge will be thrown in for free!”

Yapp Brothers‘ Christmas Sale takes place at their premises in Mere, Wiltshire on Friday 24th and Saturday 25th November 2006.
Now this is how an independent wine merchant should be - with a raft of interesting and some lesser-known wines from hidden corners of France!
The former dentist’s main specialisation is in the Loire and Rhône (North and South), but also includes good selections from Languedoc, South West, Savoie etc. So on his list you will discover excellent Bandol (mourvedre-dominated red from Provence) Lirac from the superb Domaine Maby in the southern Rhône, superb Jurancon Sec from Domaine Bellegarde; Collioure from Roussillon; Thouarsais and Saint Pourcain from the Loire - I could go on and on!
Their Christmas Offers list is available now.

For more info see www.yapp.co.uk

An interesting article on Jura wines in the New York Times - wines which are seldom seen in the UK, and whilst quite idiosyncratic, deserve some investigation (and tasting)!

“The Jura defies many expectations, nowhere more so than in its wines. The leading whites have a nutty, sherry-like aroma that many people regard as hopelessly oxidized, but they are actually tangy, complex, pure and delicious. The best reds barely have enough color to be called red. They are delicate and graceful, yet with an earthy intensity that can stand up to the smelliest of cheeses. Almost singularly among wine regions, the reds are usually served before the whites in the Jura because they are lighter in texture.” (see full article)

UK stockists include a new discovery for us - Vine Trail in Bristol; also Devigne Wines in Wales

Keywords: France,wine,french,jura,savoie,savignin,macvin

John at www.bandb-burgundy.com has offered an excellent choice of things to do in Burgundy, Eastern France and the environs.

As always there are lots of wine fairs and village fetes all over the place, however there is a major festival Fetes de la Vigne in Dijon (21 Cote d;’Or. Burgundy) 1st - 3rd September 2006 in the Autour des Halles, Place Francois Rude. Entry is free but a souvenir glass and tasting tickets cost from €2.00 open from 10:30 - 20:00 each day to sample wines from the fine Burgundy crus - lots of wine-related events around the pedestrianised centre of the town.
Also in Dijon is yet another inland summer beach - Dijon Plage open until 10 September at the intriguingly named Lac Kir!! - see map

Over in the Jura there are things to do. Particularly interesting is a guided wine-tasting through the wines of the Jura in historic Chateau Chalon. Every Tuesday until 29th August 2006, at 20:30, six vignerons bring one example of their work to a tasting evening. A Professor of Wine talks you through the wines of the Jura, their individualities, quirks, and characteristics and how to taste them! How to recognise the alcohol content from swirling the wine around the glass, developing and recognising the aromas, and finally the taste. Once all the theory has been dealt with you get to taste the wines! Much chat with people in the audience being asked their opinion, what can they smell, and or taste in each of six different types of wine. The range of Jura wines is well covered. You’ll start with a Cremant (Sparkling wine), go next to a Red, either Poulsard, Trousseau (you’ve not heard of those have you) or Rubis (Pinot Noir with Trousseau mix). Following that is a Chardonnay, as unlike a Chablis or Californian Chardonnay as is possible to find, thence to a Chardonnay/Savagnin (yes the spelling is correct) mix which starts you off on the typical Jurascian tastes. Next is the classic Chateau Chalon Vin Jaune. A white wine which positively mugs the unaware. Finishing with a Macvin (mix of Marc du Jura and grape juice) the whole evening will take about 2-2½ hours and costs the princely sum of €5.00! (and you get to keep the glass!) Booking is advised from the Tourist Office in Chateau Chalon (infos@hauteseille.com) website: www.hauteseille.com Good French is definitely helpful but not totally necessary.

Add for something completely different - a trip around a brewery! The Rouget de Lisle Brewery in Bletterans (39 Jura, Franche-Comte) has tours during July and August weekdays at 1000 & 1500 and weekends at 1500 only. No booking necessary, just turn up at the time - see www.larougetdelisle.com/. Foreigners had perhaps be on their best behaviour, as Claude Joseph Rouget de Lisle was a soldier, engineer, poet and musician who composed “la Marseillaise” - so expect some due reverence to a true French icon.

A perfect base for these visits would be the British owned and run B&B with John & Carolyn Scallan at “Le Bourg” in Sens-sur-Seille (71, Saone et Loire, Bourgogne) - see map - website at www.bandb-burgundy.com

Keywords: France, wine, burgundy,jura,beer,tourism,festival, accommodation

A quick check around the better independent merchants selling French wines in the UK, reveals some good offerings, such as 15% off French wines from Nick Dobson Wines - including Chablis, Burgundy, Macon, and Beaujolais from now until the end of July.

Leon Stolarski has some new Languedoc wines in stock, including some decent Chardonnay and Merlot in 5-litre wine boxes - the same wine that goes is also sold by the bottle - ideal for summer picnics, barbecues etc. I reckon there is scope for more wine boxes to be available - the big brands tend to rip you off with pretty ordinary plonk, whilst most vineyards in France sell quality wines either “en vrac” -. i.e. on draught for your cubitainer or empty Evian bottle - or in vacuum packed “Bag-in-Box” (the french term!) - OK so you will not get the top cuvées which might benefit from bottle age, but as most wines are drunk young that should not be a problem. Sure, the quality will deteriorate if you leave if only 1/3 full for weeks on end, but generally if good wine goes in, good wine come out! Usually I find the problem is that it gets drunk faster than the same quantity in bottle, as it is just too easy to just pour another glass!

Meanwhile Devigne Wines have a range of new wines from Jura and Arbois, including Vin Jaune and Vin de Paille - something you don’t often see in the UK.

Pic Wines have a couple of Rosé discovery cases from the Languedoc available, and on the basis of having recently tasted some other wines on their list, these can be recommended without hesitation. I really do reckon Rosé wines are getting better and better - especially if you remember that they are in fact a style of red wine (from the same grapes) and not some compromise for those who cannot choose between red and white wines. And, although they are ideal for summer, don’t expect these to be light and inconsequential picnic wines - the best rosés are seriously good drinking with real depth of flavour and nuance.

Our friends John & Carolyn Scallan who run a classy Chambre d’Hote (sounds so much better than a B&B) at www.bandb-burgundy.com have provided us with an excellent introduction to the wines of the Jura, a less well-travelled area of France and one where the wines and grape varieties are even less well-known. To get this sort of insight from people who have the opportunity to get to know the area and its wines so well is worth a lot.

“Now”, in the words of a famous TV programme of yesteryear, “for something completely different”. Wines of the Jura. There will be those who think “They’ve gone barmy. Jura makes excellent Malt Whiskies but wine???” Trust us. The Jurassian wines are, in our opinion, a virtually undiscovered gem. The whole production of the areas vineyards amounts to just less than 1% of the French annual wine production and that means that for the most part even the French remain blissfully unaware of the regions produce.

Should you wish we can arrange for tastings at various vignerons cellars. The Caveau des Jacobins is open daily but Chevassu’s needs an appointment (it’s well worth it).

For more info on Jura wines see www.jura-vins.com/
A good UK stockist of these wines is Devigne Wines (Nationwide mail order)
www.bandb-burgundy.com offers excellent B&B with added wine knowledge and advice!!

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Also see our calendar of events in France

If you happen to be in the Jura (i.e. east of Burgundy) you should make a point of going to the Wine Fair in the Place de l’Eglise in Chateau Chalon (39 Jura, Franche-Comté) famous for the “Vin Jaune” (yellow wine).
John and Carolyn Scallon who run a B&B in the region (see at www.bandb-burgundy.com ) write “Aged for at least 6 years 3 months in oak barrels (bought second hand from Burgundy!) this wine is never topped up to replace the wine that evaporates during this period. As a result the wine ages under a protective layer of yeast which imparts a taste not dissimilar to that of a dry sherry. Again drunk at room temperature the wine comes as a shock to those not expecting something completely different and as a result many don’t like it. We’ve persevered, it was hell but definitely worth it. Served with Comté cheese or smoked sausage the wine takes on yet another flavour and it is a feature in the cooking of many fine recipes. Not cheap by any stretch and sold uniquely in 62cl bottles called “Clavelins” it can keep for up to 100 years.”
The Scallons will happily guide you to the best cellars in the region, and they should know as they live there and have the choice of wines from the Jura and from Burgundy.
For more info on the wines of the Jura - see www.jura-vins.com

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Over at Spittoonextra.biz there are these great photos and article on this cheese from Jura close to the Swiss border.. It is a raw cows’ milk cheese (ie. Vacherin from “vache” the French for “cow”) and it is an Appellation Controllee cheese with quite strict rules - namely that the fresh milk must be got to the dairy every day; it may only be coagulated (thickened) with rennet; no artificial rapid heating;and the wrapping in a strap of spruce wood and the wooden box are a requirement (as well as a marketing ploy I suspect!). The wooden box is quite important as the cheese will continue to mature once it has left the dairy.
He should of course have looked to match it with a local wine such as Cotes de Jura, where a grape called the Savignin is used. No relation to Sauvignon, it is thought to come from Austria. It produces bone dry quite aromatic wines, which would cut well against the creaminess of the Vacherin. Savignin is also used for the famous Vin Jaune (Yellow Wine) of the Jura.

Click here to read Spittoonextra’s posting

My main worry about the cheese though is that it looks as though an ordinary knife or cheese knife will not do - going by the picture you need more of an old chisel that’s been languishing in the workshop - although it is a soft cheese - maybe the rind gets a bit tough!

Not far away is a good English run B&B in the village of Sens-sur-Seille (71 Saone-et-Loire, Burgundy) -see their website at www.bandb-burgundy.com

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Keywords: France,wine,cheese,vacherin,doubs,jura