Among the smallest wine regions in France, the Jura is also probably the most original. Relying on thousand-year-old know-how, it is today a great name in the world of viticulture. The Jura vineyards are demanding due to their geology and climate. The winegrowers have been able to adapt to offer a wide variety of wines with a unique character.

Pierre Martin

At the heart of the Arbois vineyard, Roger Martin writes a page in the history of Vin Jaune. At the place called “La Pinte à la Capitaine,” on the blue marls of the Lias, he planted 14 hectares of Savagnin. It was then the largest estate planted in Savagnin. Today, Pierre Martin perpetuates the work of his father and has enlarged the Estate which totals 34 hectares of vines.

In 1999 the La Pinte estate made a brave choice by converting its entire land to organic viticulture. Since 2009 they have reached a new stage of practicing biodynamic farming throughout the 34 hectares.

Born from celtic “ar” and “bos” meaning “fertile land”, the appellation Arbois was the first French AOC to date. It is also the first of the Jura by its volume of production, producing 45,000 hectoliters a year. This appellation is spread over 13 communes with a total of 843 hectares. The five grape varieties authorized in the Jura are eligible for AOC Arbois, which produces around 70% of Jura red wines and 30% of whites. Indeed, the reds dominate in terms of surface and production on this soil which is favorable to the grapes. In a rugged terrain with calcareous scree, the soil consists of very deep iridescent marls and clay – silicous and compact.

They practice shallow plowing which does not destroy the soil, but on the contrary, will contribute to the harmony between each element which composes it: microorganisms, minerals trace elements, micro fauna.

Biodynamic culture also allows the yeasts to grow on the skin of the grapes. The grapes are harvested by hand and are vinified with these indigenous yeasts. The use of sulfur is limited and not systematic: a little on the juice before starting the fermentation, sometimes during breeding.

The fermentation happens in barriques, demi-muids, and foudres, the duration varies according to the grape varieties.

The wines are aged on fine lees and extracted according to the lunar calendar. We prefer the transfer of wines by working by gravity.

60% Pinot Noir and 40% Poulsard from Jura! This gourmet cuvée is full of fresh red fruit and has a great mouthfeel with a fine tannic structure.

“LA CAPITAINE”
Region: Jura
Grape: Pinot Noir, Poulsard
Vineyard Size: 11 hectares
Soil: red marl
Average Age of Vines: 37 years
Farming: organic, biodynamic
Harvest: by hand
Winemaking: destemmed, spontaneous fermentation in neutral oak with indigenous yeasts, malolactic fermentation
Aging: 6 months in neutral oak
Fining: none
Filtration: none
Added S02: 25 mg/L

Aroma: Nose of red fruits, nutmeg, violets.
Taste: Beautiful tannic structure, good balance. Wine Wooden