Sustainable Burgundy and Jura wines:
Terra Vitis in Bourgogne-Franche-Comté
The region of Bourgogne-Franche-Comté in eastern France produces exceptional wines crafted from delicate grape varieties, as well as some unique specialities made exclusively in certain terroirs. From the slopes of Nuits-Saint-Georges south of Dijon to the Revermont in the Jura, the vineyards of Burgundy, the Jura and Haute-Saône have something to satisfy every palate, even the most refined. Discover what these terroirs have to offer with Terra Vitis members whose wines are produced with sustainable practices.
3 things to know about Bourgogne-Franche-Comté wines
In Burgundy, climat has nothing to do with the weather. Here, this term refers to a vineyard plot that has been carefully defined by the winegrower. Each climat has its own geological characteristics, rainfall and sun exposure. These conditions combined with the expertise of the winegrower give a wine a specific, recognisable personality.
There are more than 500 premiers crus in Burgundy.
Macvin du Jura is a unique, sweet, fortified wine made in Jura from grape must and eau-de-vie.
The Burgundy wine region:
home of world-renowned grands crus
Chablis, Mâcon, Côte de Nuits, Côte de Beaune or Côte Chalonnaise… Burgundy is known worldwide for the elegance, complexity and subtlety of its wines, both whites and reds.
Underlying Burgundy is an extraordinary geological mosaic that gives rise to its diverse climats or vineyard plots with unique characteristics. The wide variation in Burgundy’s soils, plus its weather conditions that are particularly favourable to viticulture, explain the great aromatic range of Burgundy wines.
The main grape varieties in Burgundy are Pinot Noir and Gamay for red wines, and Chardonnay and Aligoté for whites. More occasionally, César is used in reds; in white wines, Sauvignon Blanc is used only in the Saint-Bris appellation, and Sacy and Melon de Bourgogne are very occasionally used.
The Burgundy wine region produces dry white wines, mostly from Chardonnay, with aromas of white fruit, white flowers and sometimes brioche. These whites are elegant and their aromas express all the diversity of Burgundy’s climats, from the fresh and mineral wines of Chablis to the more supple and fruity wines of Mâcon, and the round, ample wines of Côte de Beaune.
The red wines of Burgundy are predominantly made with Pinot Noir, the region’s leading grape variety, or more rarely with Gamay. On the palate, Pinot Noir is delicate and light, with fruity aromas of blackcurrant, cherry, raspberry or violet. Young wines made from Gamay are full-bodied and powerful, becoming silkier after a few years of ageing.
Last but not least is the sparkling Crémant de Bourgogne, which is lively and fresh, with distinctive aromas depending on the grapes it is made from: blanc, blanc de blancs (only white grapes), blanc de noirs (white wine made from black grapes) and rosé.
The Jura wine region’s singular wines
The Jura may be best known for its unique wines such as vin de paille (straw wine) and vin jaune (yellow wine), but it also produces more classic wines that are well worth discovering.
The region’s vineyards are located on the slopes of the Jura mountains, on a strip of land about 80 km long that crosses the area from north to south, covering less than 2,000 hectares. The climate is harsh in winter and hot in summer, with wide variations in temperature and weather during the hot season. The geology of the terroir results in clay, marl and limestone soils.
Five grape varieties are grown in this region:
- Chardonnay
- Savagnin
- Trousseau
- Poulsard
- Pinot Noir
The first two are used to make white wines, while Trousseau, Poulsard and Pinot Noir are used for Jura reds.
Most of the wines produced in the Jura are dry white wines, either single-varietal or blends. They are appreciated for their delicate elegance. Savagnin wines have a very distinctive nutty aroma.
Light red wines are made from the Poulsard grape; the Trousseau grape gives rise to full-bodied wines with more intense aromas. This grape variety is also used in the vast majority of the Jura’s rosé wines.
Several sparkling wines – the Crémants du Jura – are also produced in the Jura region.
But perhaps above all, the Jura is known for its unique speciality wines: vins jaunes and vins de paille.
- Vin jaune (yellow wine) is made from Savagnin grapes harvested at optimum ripeness and then slowly fermented in vats, which gives this wine its distinctive taste and golden colour. It shares some similarities with very dry sherry, but it is not fortified.
- Vin de paille (straw wine) is a sweet wine made from a blend of grapes harvested late in the season, like certain Alsace wines. The grapes are dried in the open air in full sun (historically on straw mats, hence the name) for at least six weeks before being slowly pressed to obtain a must that has very high sugar content.
Another unique speciality is Macvin du Jura, a sweet fortified wine made from grape must and eau-de-vie.
The Haute-Saône wine region:
an undiscovered secret
While the Haute-Saône is less well known than its neighbours in Burgundy and the Jura, it would be a mistake to overlook this wine region.
the hillside vineyards of Haute-Saône have been farmed since the Middle Ages and produce a variety of excellent non-appellation wines.
The following grape varieties are cultivated here:
- Auxerrois
- Chardonnay
- Aligoté
- Sauvignon Blanc
- Pinot Noir
- Gamay
You may have noticed that some of these grape varieties are also grown in Burgundy, due to the similar geological characteristics of these two regions.
Haute-Saône wines
While the Haute-Saône winegrowing region may be small, a wide variety of wines are produced here, notably fruity and fresh white wines made from Chardonnay, and racy, supple and elegant red wines made from Pinot Noir or Gamay.
Wine tourism in Bourgogne-Franche-Comté
Visitors who enjoy wine tourism are well served in Burgundy and the Jura. There is a stunning array of landscapes dotted with vineyards, with plentiful wineries welcoming those who want to make a stop.
covers a distance of about 60 km between Dijon and Santenay. There are various possible itineraries to discover Burgundy’s most famous estates and wines. As it winds through the vineyards and landscapes, the wine route takes travellers through charming villages and stately chateaux.
The Jura wine route is equally unmissable for lovers of exceptional wines and historical and cultural heritage. Wend your way through the foothills and valleys and take in the vineyards, abbeys and villages along the route.
These regions also have cycling routes that allow visitors to participate in sustainable wine tourism. In the Jura, Wine & Cheese routes are a great way to keep you fuelled up as you ride.
Terra Vitis members in Bourgogne-Franche-Comté
The Terra Vitis Bourgogne-Franche-Comté regional branch was formed in 2018 and today it boasts over 50 members. Still or sparkling wines, red or white, sweet or dry, our members can help you find sustainably-made wines to suit your taste buds.
Further information
Official website of Burgundy wines
Official website of Jura wines
Discover the other Terra Vitis regions
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