Arbois, in eastern France, is the Jura wine region's most-prolific appellation for red, white and rosé wines. Jura's famous Vin Jaune and vin de paille (yellow wine and straw wine) styles can also be made here, but Arbois predominantly gained its reputation for red wines. The town of Arbois is the Jura's regional wine capital. Varieties The principal red varieties are Poulsard (or Ploussard as it is known here) and the Trousseau grape. Pinot Noir is also planted. About 70 percent of Jura's red wines are produced under the Arbois name. Savagnin and Chardonnay are the white grape varieties. Link (or otherwise) to the Arbois grape variety The link between the wine region and the Arbois grape variety of the central Loire Valley has not been established. Leaf shape is similar to that of Savagnin, but research to this point suggests the Arbois variety originated in the Loire. Regional production 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.