Nestled high in the French Alps, between Burgundy and the Swiss border, sits the isolated region once known mostly for the Sherry-esque Vin Jaune. And although Vin Jaune is still produced, the Jura today makes some of the most singular wines coming out of France. These modern versions are the antithesis of nutty and wooly Vin Jaune; the wines featured today, from the newly-arrived Domaine de la Borde, are un-oxidized, crafted with precision and cut, showcasing the Jura's distinct, saline-tinged minerality and high-elevation crystalline fruit.
Winemaker Julien Marèschal is undoubtably on Jura's Mt. Rushmore, and one of the reasons for the sky rocketing popularity of its wines. His are all-time personal favorites, wines I would seek out with fervor on every trip to France. I needed to track down as many as I could before my return, as they were unavailable in the US for years.
Today, I'm proud to offer some of the first stateside releases from the domaine. A trio I'm particularity fond of, and absolutely delighted to share with you today. These have everything I love in fine wine, detailed aromatics, distinct minerality, and layers of complexity and concentration. All delivered in an elegant, seemingly effortlessly way. |
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Chardonnay 'Côte de Caillot' 2022
$59.99
'Côte de Caillot' is a plot of 40-year-old vines on a superficial layer of clay-limestone gavel on deep limestone bedrock. The vineyard faces south and sits at an altitude of 500 meters above sea-level. After a manual harvest, the grapes are directly pressed into 600L neutral oak barrels and kept fully topped up. After a year of aging on the lees, without bâtonnage, the wine is bottled for release.
Taut and defined by tension, this is a delicate game of balance between ripe, south-facing vines and terse limestone soils. Cinnamon-spiced peaches, preserved lemon and orange peel are accented by white florals and iodine minerality. The palate is crunchy, fresh and full of verve, expertly parried with body, intense concentration and citrus zip. A delight with your freshest catch, this is Jura Chardonnay at its finest.
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Pinot Noir 'Pinostradamus' 2022
$49.99
Sourced from one of the most famous vineyards in Pupillin (Jura's equivalent to Vosne-Romanée), this cuvée comes from the Côte de Feule, a steep slope of deep red Triassic marl facing straight south. Hand-harvested and macerated for two weeks in steel tank, the wine is then transferred to a combination of stainless steel and amphora for 10 months of élevage prior to bottling, unfined and unfiltered.
Elegantly perfumed and refined, the nose offers a plethora of red berries, rosemary, baking spices and sous bois earthiness. The palate is medium-bodied, framed by silky tannins and piquant freshness. There's plenty more red fruit to accompany the delicate red florals, touches of thyme and subtle peppercorn spice. While Burgundian in it's polish, this is defined by an alpine punch that makes the Jura so unique and delicious.
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Trousseau 'Sous la Roche' 2022
$54.99
Sourced from younger vines on rich red marl soils, 'Sous la Roche' sits at a lower altitude, just 350 meters, than most of the other cuvées. The grapes are harvested and de-stemmed by hand, then crushed to ferment. The wine ages for ten months in neutral Burgundy barrels before bottling and release. Also un-fined and unfiltered.
Gossamer and ethereal, the nose is a tapestry of silky red cherries, blood orange, pomegranate, tangy hibiscus and bouquet garni. The palate is refined yet subtly robust, with red raspberry and black cherry layered atop dense minerality and refreshing grapefruit peel. A native Jurassic variety, this is one of the finest examples of Trousseau I've ever had.
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Julien Mareschal has always been a farmer, but hasn't always cultivated grapes. His ancestors grew cereal and grain. With no history in wine or winemaking and only after studying oenology in Dijon did he realize his love for viticulture. So at 23, he moved to the Jura and established his domaine in 2003.
Now working with a scant 5.5 hectares, Mareschal is famous for his impeccable vineyards and austere winemaking. His holdings are spread across several sites under the Arbois-Pupillin appellation, including the famous Côte de Feule. Biodynamics have been strictly applied since 2012, and winemaking always free of any additives or adjustments. Domaine de la Borde is a classic example of the incredible depth attainable when vineyard takes precedent. |
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REGULAR 3-PACK PRICE - $164.97
*SPECIAL NEWSLETTER PRICE - $152.97
To order, reply directly to this email or call at 843.576.4845
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Justin Coleman
Proprietor
Monarch Wine Merchants |
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