Jura is a tiny and remote region in France, and for a long time its wines barely registered beyond its own borders. In the last few years, however, Jura has become increasingly talked about and more and more people are discovering its unique wine styles. Although small, Jura turns out a huge variety of different wines. Crémant du Jura is a sparkling wine from the region that can offer excellent value. Of greater interest, though, are the reds and whites, especially those made from some unusual varieties found here: Savagnin for whites and Poulsard and Trousseau for reds. Many (though not all) wines made here are deliberately oxidised for a layered, nutty flavour profile. They are an acquired taste but, like the best Sherry, can be astonishing. The tiny appellation of Château Chalon yields the ultimate expression of this style - rare, expensive and multi-dimensional, this is a dense, complex drink.
