Jura

Jura is a name applied to several places and concepts in Europe and beyond. The most prominent is the Jura Mountains, a limestone ridge that runs roughly from the eastern edge of the Paris Basin through eastern France into western Switzerland. The range forms a natural border and is known for its karst landscapes, forests, and caves. Peaks rise to about 1,700 meters. The mountains give their name to political and cultural regions, including the Jura department in France’s Bourgogne-Franche-Comté region (with capital Lons-le-Saunier) and the canton of Jura in Switzerland, established in 1979 with the capital Delémont.

The Jura wine region lies largely within these eastern French territories. Wines produced under the Vin du Jura appellations include blends and varietal wines from Savagnin, Chardonnay, Poulsard, and Trousseau, often exhibiting oxidative aging. Notable styles include Vin Jaune and Vin de Paille, reflecting the region’s distinctive climate and geology.

In geology, the Jurassic period is named after the Jura Mountains, where rocks from that era were first studied and described; the term was established in the early 19th century.

In other uses, Jura is the name of an island off the west coast of Scotland. The Isle of Jura is home to the Jura Distillery, which produces single malt whiskies known for their maritime character and varied styles. The name Jura thus appears in geography, administration, viticulture, geology, and culture.