Arbois wines are produced from around 800 hectares (2000 acres) of vines. Arbois covers 13 communes (Abergement-le-Grand, Arbois, Les Arsures, Mathenay, Mesnay, Molamboz, Montigny-lès-Arsures, Les Planches-près-Arbois, Pupillin, Saint-Cyr-Montmalin, Vadans and Villette-lès-Arbois) on the hills and valley slopes surrounding the town.
One of these – the commune of Pupillin – is particularly known for the quality of its wines. These come from a patchwork of vineyards planted on south facing, limestone rich slopes. Wines from these sites can be sold as Arbois-Pupillin.
Within the zone, a few additional vineyards are designated for sparkling wine production (Crémant de Jura). Some other plots supply fortified Macvin de Jura. which has its own AOC.
Technically the appellation lies within the broader Côtes du Jura appellation. However, Arbois producers are likely to only use this designation if they also own a vineyard plot outside the border and combine the fruit.
Wine styles
The finished Arbois wines cover a remarkable range of the wine color spectrum. The locals frequently use descriptors such as corail (coral) and rubis (ruby) in addition to red, white and rose.
This diversity is due in large part to the fact that 'white' Arbois wines may be made from up to 20 percent red grapes – and vice-versa. Poulsard, the region's key red variety, is lightly pigmented and is used to control the final color of a 'rose' wine.
The grapes are lightly crushed and then immediately pressed. Fermentation and ageing take place in barrels and foudres. Approximately half the 2020 crop aged in 500L barrels (of which 13% in new oak) - and the other half in foudres.
The limestone soils and high altitude clearly influence this wine, with its bright, knife-edged citrus fruit lending the wine cut and thrust to offset the vintage’s yellow fruit and flesh; whilst a distinct salty note add further dimension and interest. The vineyards sit mostly on hill tops, over marly soils. Their altitude is the highest of the estate (close to 400m).
Origin : Jura, Arbois, France
Type: White Wine
Grapes : Chardonnay
Alcohol : 12.5%
Bottle Size:750ml