LOIRE WINE PRODUCERS
From oxidative Savagnin legends to Alpine pioneers. 20+ producers defining Jura and Savoie today.
These neighbouring regions in eastern France share a spirit of independence and a commitment to indigenous varieties. The Jura's distinctive oxidative wines and Savoie's mountain viticulture offer some of France's most distinctive terroir expressions.
JURA
Tony Bornard
Pupillin | Arbois-Pupillin | Certified Biodynamic
Tony Bornard represents the vanguard of Pupillin, that distinctive sub-region known for its red-hued marls and exceptional Ploussard. His father Philippe established the domaine in 1985, but Tony's 2008 takeover marked decisive shift toward biodynamic viticulture and natural winemaking.
The 8-hectare estate sprawls across Pupillin's rolling hills, vines planted on the red and grey marls that give the village its reputation. Tony's approach is uncompromising: no chemicals in vineyard, indigenous fermentations, minimal sulphur, extended ageing in older barrels and large foudres.
The reds
His Ploussard bottlings are essential variety references. Les Gaudrettes from younger vines is bright and lifted, all red fruits and delicate spice. Vieilles Vignes from 1950s and 1960s parcels shows greater depth and concentration with earthy undertones and silken tannins. The Trousseau from Point Barre delivers darker fruit and firmer structure.
The whites
His Chardonnay offers relatively ouillé (topped-up) style: bright and precise. But it's the Savagnin that truly distinguishes the domaine: aged sous voile for several years, developing characteristic nutty, oxidative complexity defining great Jura whites. His Macvin, the traditional Jura apéritif, is also exceptional.
Domaine des Cavarodes
Cramans | Côtes du Jura | Certified Biodynamic
Étienne Thiébaud's Domaine des Cavarodes has become a cult favourite, bottles disappearing almost as quickly as released. Based in Cramans at the Jura vineyards' northern edge, Thiébaud farms 5 hectares biodynamically, crafting wines of remarkable purity and precision.
His approach is rigorously non-interventionist: indigenous fermentations, extended ageing in neutral barrels, minimal sulphur. The results capture Jura's distinctive character without the sometimes heavy-handed oxidative notes marking lesser examples.
The wines
Trousseau Les Cavarodes from the eponymous lieu-dit is perhaps his signature: silky and perfumed with red fruits and subtle earthy notes. His Pupillin-sourced Ploussard is equally compelling, all delicacy and precision. Ouillé Chardonnay and Savagnin show bright, focused fruit, while sous-voile Savagnin develops characteristic nutty complexity without excessive weight.
Les Dolomies
Passenans | Côtes du Jura | Certified Biodynamic
Céline Gormally's Les Dolomies offers a fascinating terroir study. Based in Passenans in the southern Jura, she farms 4 hectares on the distinctive dolomitic limestone giving the domaine its name. This geological peculiarity, combined with biodynamic viticulture and minimal-intervention winemaking, yields wines of remarkable mineral intensity.
The wines
Savagnin Ouillé, aged without voile, is bright and precise with citrus and stone fruit. Savagnin Sous Voile shows traditional oxidative character: nutty and complex. Chardonnay from vines on pure dolomite has almost saline mineral intensity.
The Trousseau and Ploussard both display the delicate, perfumed character Jura's indigenous varieties achieve in sympathetic hands.
Jean-François Ganevat
La Combe | Côtes du Jura | Certified Biodynamic
If a single name symbolises the Jura's contemporary renaissance, it is Jean-François Ganevat. His domaine in La Combe, near Rotalier in the southern Jura, has become pilgrimage site for wine lovers seeking the region's most profound expressions.
Ganevat inherited the family property in 1998 after years working in Burgundy, including time with Jean-Marc Morey in Chassagne-Montrachet. That experience shaped his approach: meticulous biodynamic viticulture, long élevage in older barrels, Burgundian attention to site-specific expression.
His holdings, now exceeding 13 hectares, span numerous southern Jura lieux-dits, each bottled separately to showcase terroir diversity. The vast range encompasses ouillé and sous-voile whites, delicate reds from indigenous varieties, and experimental cuvées.
The whites
Chardonnay Les Chalasses Vieilles Vignes from centenary vines is a Jura Chardonnay reference point: concentrated and mineral-driven with remarkable ageing potential. Various Savagnin bottlings, both ouillé and sous voile, explore the variety's full spectrum from bright and precise to deeply oxidative and complex.
The reds
Trousseau and Ploussard bottlings capture these varieties' ethereal delicacy. Pinot Noir shows unexpected regional depth and structure.
Beyond Jura
Ganevat also produces wines under his Mavette label, including remarkable Bugey Gamay and old-vine Roussillon Macabeu. But his Jura wines remain the essential draw: bottles that have helped redefine international perceptions of what this once-obscure region can achieve.
Michel Gahier
Montigny-lès-Arsures | Arbois | Certified Organic
Michel Gahier's Montigny-lès-Arsures domaine represents a different Jura facet: traditional in embracing sous-voile ageing, yet progressive in organic commitment. The 7-hectare property has been in family since 1947, but Gahier's approach has evolved considerably since his 1990 takeover.
The wines
His whites, predominantly sous-voile Savagnin, develop characteristic nutty, curry-spiced complexity. But there's a precision and freshness distinguishing his wines from heavier examples. His Vin Jaune, aged the requisite six years and three months, is a regional benchmark.
Trousseau from Les Grands Vergers shows the variety's potential for depth and structure whilst remaining true to essential delicacy.
Domaine Labet
Rotalier | Côtes du Jura | Certified Biodynamic
The Labet family has farmed in Rotalier since 1974, but siblings Julien and Romain have propelled the domaine to international recognition. Their 13-hectare estate, farmed biodynamically, encompasses numerous parcels across the southern Jura's diverse terroirs.
The brothers emphasise ouillé winemaking for most whites, preserving freshness and fruit expression whilst capturing Jura's distinctive mineral character.
The whites
Various Chardonnay bottlings from specific lieux-dits offer a masterclass in site expression: En Chalasse shows one profile, La Bardette another, Fleur de Savagnin yet another.
The reds
Trousseau and Pinot Noir are silky and perfumed with subtle earthy undertones.
Their traditional Vin Jaune remains a regional benchmark. Through meticulous work, the Labets have demonstrated that Jura can produce wines of international stature whilst retaining essential regional character.
Domaine des Marnes Blanches
Cesancey | Côtes du Jura | Certified Biodynamic
Pauline and Géraud Fromont's Domaine des Marnes Blanches has emerged as one of the southern Jura's most exciting young properties. Based in Cesancey, they farm 11 hectares on the distinctive white marl soils giving the domaine its name.
Their approach combines biodynamic viticulture with thoughtful winemaking balancing tradition and innovation.
The wines
Whites range from bright ouillé Chardonnay to oxidative Savagnin aged sous voile. Reds from Trousseau and Poulsard capture these varieties' ethereal delicacy.
Particularly noteworthy is their Crémant du Jura, traditional-method sparkling rivalling more famous regions' examples.
Domaine des Miroirs
Arbois | Arbois | Certified Biodynamic
Kenjiro Kagami's Domaine des Miroirs represents one of Jura's most singular voices. The Japanese-born vigneron arrived in 2007 after Burgundy training and quickly established reputation for intensely natural, sometimes challenging wines.
His 3.5-hectare Arbois domaine is farmed biodynamically, winemaking radically non-interventionist: indigenous fermentations, no sulphur, extended ageing. Results can be polarising, but at best they offer a window into what Jura terroirs express with absolute minimal intervention.
The wines
Various Savagnin and Chardonnay bottlings explore the full ouillé and oxidative spectrum. Reds from Trousseau and Ploussard capture these varieties' essential delicacy.
Overnoy-Houillon
Pupillin | Arbois-Pupillin | Certified Biodynamic
The Overnoy name is legendary in Jura, and Overnoy-Houillon, run by Emmanuel Houillon and his wife, represents one branch of this influential family tree. Based in Pupillin, they farm 6 hectares biodynamically, producing wines of remarkable purity.
Emmanuel's father-in-law was Pierre Overnoy, the legendary vigneron whose 1980s embrace of natural winemaking influenced a generation. Emmanuel has maintained that commitment, producing wines without sulphur and with minimal intervention.
The wines
Arbois-Pupillin Ploussard is a variety benchmark: ethereal and perfumed with silky tannins and subtle earthy notes. Savagnin, whether ouillé or sous voile, shows similar precision and purity.
Domaine des Murmures
Arbois | Arbois | Certified Organic
Raphaël Monnier's Domaine des Murmures has quickly established itself as one of Arbois' most exciting addresses. A relative newcomer, having established the domaine in 2014, Monnier brings fresh perspective whilst respecting regional traditions.
His 3-hectare estate is farmed organically, winemaking precise but not heavy-handed.
The wines
Whites range from fresh ouillé Chardonnay to more oxidative Savagnin. Reds from Trousseau and Ploussard capture these varieties' delicate charm.
Guillaume Overnoy
Pupillin | Arbois-Pupillin | Certified Organic
Guillaume Overnoy carries another branch of Pupillin's most famous winemaking family. His small domaine, just over 2 hectares, is farmed organically, winemaking following the family tradition of minimal intervention.
The wines
Ploussard and Savagnin bottlings, whilst produced in tiny quantities, demonstrate the same purity and precision making the Overnoy name synonymous with natural Jura winemaking.
Domaine du Pélican
Arbois | Arbois | Certified Organic
Domaine du Pélican represents an ambitious project: the Burgundian Marquis d'Angerville family's Jura expansion. Beginning in 2012, they assembled 8 hectares of prime Arbois vineyards including parcels from legendary Domaine Jacques Puffeney.
The approach marries Burgundian precision with Jura tradition.
The wines
Whites, predominantly Chardonnay and Savagnin, age ouillé to preserve freshness and fruit. Reds from Trousseau, Ploussard, and Pinot Noir show similar refinement.
If some critics question whether Burgundian sensibility fully captures Jura's essence, there's no denying the wines' quality and endeavour's seriousness.
François Rousset-Martin
Château-Chalon | Château-Chalon | Certified Organic
François Rousset-Martin's Château-Chalon domaine, the spiritual home of Vin Jaune, represents traditional Jura winemaking at its finest. His 5 hectares, farmed organically, are planted predominantly to Savagnin on the blue and grey marls giving the appellation its distinctive character.
The wines
His Vin Jaune, aged the requisite six years and three months sous voile, is a regional benchmark: nutty, complex, seemingly immortal in ageing potential. Other Savagnin bottlings, whether ouillé or oxidative, show similar depth and precision.
Domaine de Saint-Pierre
Mathenay | Côtes du Jura | Certified Organic
Jean-Baptiste Dumont's Domaine de Saint-Pierre has become one of the northern Jura's essential addresses. Based in Mathenay, he farms 8 hectares organically, producing wines of remarkable consistency.
The wines
Whites, predominantly Chardonnay and Savagnin, balance freshness with characteristic mineral intensity. Reds from Trousseau and Pinot Noir show unexpected depth and structure.
Domaine de la Tournelle
Arbois | Arbois | Certified Biodynamic
Evelyne and Pascal Clairet's Domaine de la Tournelle has been a beacon for natural Arbois winemaking since they took over in 1991. Their 6-hectare estate is farmed biodynamically, winemaking philosophy emphasising minimal intervention.
The wines
Various bottlings explore the full Jura spectrum: ouillé and oxidative whites, delicate reds from indigenous varieties, traditional Vin Jaune and Macvin. Through it all runs a common thread of precision and purity.
Stéphane & Bénédicte Tissot
Arbois | Arbois | Certified Biodynamic
The Tissot domaine is now one of Jura's largest and most visible, but Stéphane and Bénédicte built it through decades of patient work, expanding from a few hectares in the 1990s to their current 50-hectare estate.
The scale might suggest industrial production, but reality is quite different. Farming is biodynamic, winemaking thoughtful, and the range encompasses dozens of site-specific bottlings offering comprehensive tour of Arbois' diverse terroirs.
The wines
Whites from Chardonnay and Savagnin in both ouillé and oxidative styles consistently rank among the region's finest. Reds from Trousseau, Ploussard, and Pinot Noir show similar quality. Traditional products including Vin Jaune, Macvin, and Crémant du Jura are regional benchmarks.
SAVOIE
Understanding how taste works helps explain why Alpine terroirs produce such distinctive mineral signatures, from the schist-driven intensity of Ardoisières to the glacial moraine soils of Ayse.
Domaine des Ardoisières
Cevins | IGP Vin des Allobroges | Certified Biodynamic
Brice Omont's Domaine des Ardoisières represents one of France's most remarkable viticultural revivals. The steep, south-facing slopes above Cevins in the Combe de Savoie were once home to thriving vineyards before phylloxera and rural depopulation led to abandonment. Omont began painstaking restoration in 1998, clearing scrub and rebuilding terraces on gradients exceeding 60 degrees.
Today the domaine encompasses roughly 5 hectares of vertiginous plantings on schist and quartzite, farmed biodynamically. Varieties are predominantly indigenous: Jacquère, Altesse (Roussanne), Mondeuse, and Persan, supplemented by small Roussanne and Viognier amounts.
The whites
Quartz from Jacquère grown on quartzite displays mineral intensity transcending expectations for this humble variety. Schiste from Altesse on schistous terrain offers greater depth and complexity with stone fruit and floral notes. Argile, a blend from clay-influenced parcels, shows rounder textures.
The reds
Mondeuse is exceptional: dark-fruited and peppery with firm but refined tannins. Persan from this rare indigenous variety offers intriguing alternative: lighter in colour but complex in herbal, spicy character.
Through heroic work on abandoned slopes, Omont has demonstrated that Savoie can produce wines of genuine distinction whilst preserving viticultural heritage that might otherwise have been lost entirely.
Domaine Belluard
Ayse | Ayse | Certified Biodynamic
Dominique Belluard's domaine near Lake Geneva has become synonymous with Gringet, an ancient variety found almost nowhere else. The family has farmed here since the sixteenth century, but Dominique's 1988 conversion to biodynamics marked decisive evolution.
Today his 10 hectares, all planted to Gringet on steep glacial moraine slopes, yield wines of remarkable character. The variety's natural high acidity makes it ideal for both still and sparkling wines.
Still wines
Gringet, labelled as Ayse, is bright and mineral-driven with citrus and floral notes. Les Alpes from older vines shows greater depth and concentration. Mont Blanc, the top cuvée fermented and aged in older barrels, develops complexity whilst retaining precision.
Sparkling wines
Traditional-method sparklings are equally accomplished. Brut Zéro with no dosage is taut and incisive. Les Perles du Mont Blanc offers similar quality with a touch more richness.
Through devotion to this singular variety and place, Belluard has established Ayse as one of Savoie's essential appellations.
Domaine Gilles Berlioz
Chignin | Savoie | Certified Biodynamic
Gilles Berlioz's Chignin domaine has become a reference point for the southern Combe de Savoie. His 7 hectares, farmed biodynamically, encompass prime sites for both Jacquère and the local speciality Bergeron (the local name for Roussanne).
His cellar approach is minimal: indigenous fermentations, extended ageing in older barrels, no filtration. Results are wines of unusual regional depth and complexity.
The wines
Chignin from Jacquère transcends the variety's typically simple profile, showing mineral intensity and textural interest. Chignin-Bergeron from Roussanne on distinctive steep slopes is even more impressive: rich and honeyed with stone fruit and floral notes, balanced by firm acidity.
Mondeuse shows characteristic pepper and dark fruit with refined tannins from thoughtful extraction.
Domaine Curtet
Motz | Savoie | Certified Organic
Adrien and Thomas Curtet's domaine near the Rhône and Fier confluence has emerged as one of Savoie's most exciting young properties. The brothers farm 6 hectares organically across various northern Savoie sites.
Their approach combines respect for indigenous varieties with progressive winemaking.
The wines
Whites from Jacquère and Altesse show bright, mineral-driven profiles. Mondeuse from old vines on steep slopes captures the variety's potential for complexity and age-worthiness.
Particularly noteworthy is their Méthode Ancestrale, a pétillant naturel from Jacquère capturing the variety's fresh, appley character in effervescent form.
Domaine Giachino / Prieuré Saint-Christophe
Chapareillan | Savoie | Certified Organic
Frédéric Giachino's Chapareillan domaine at the Combe de Savoie's southern end offers comprehensive tour of indigenous varieties. His 10 hectares, farmed organically, include Jacquère, Altesse, Mondeuse, and rare Persan.
Winemaking is thoughtful but not heavy-handed: indigenous fermentations, mixed tank and barrel ageing, minimal sulphur. Results capture Savoie's distinctive character without rough edges.
Domaine wines
Apremont from Jacquère is bright and mineral. Altesse shows characteristic floral and honeyed notes. Mondeuse from various parcels demonstrates the variety's expression range from light and peppery to dark and structured.
Prieuré Saint-Christophe
Under this label, wines come from a historic site with steeper slopes and older vines. These bottlings, including remarkable Persan, show greater concentration and complexity.
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Other Regions
Burgundy Producers | Loire Producers | Rhône, Provence & Corsica | Bordeaux Producers | Alsace Producers
Further Reading
Develop Your Palate
How Taste Works | How to Develop Your Palate | Taste Decoded Series
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