Arbois Les Corvées Saint-Pierre (Domaine) Fabrice Dodane 2023

Still relatively under the radar, Domaine de Saint-Pierre is a Jura estate located in the Arbois vineyards near Mathenay. It is run by Fabrice Dodane, a talented winegrower and winemaker known for his passionate, epicurean nature. This pleasure-loving character shines through in his wines: honest, authentic and full of flavour, with a strong sense of place, produced under the Arbois and Côtes du Jura AOCs.
Before taking over the estate, Fabrice worked at the Pupillin wine cooperative – in another of the region’s renowned appellations – before joining Domaine de Saint-Pierre in the late 1980s. In 2011, he decided to buy the vineyards from his former employers, Hubert and Renaud Moyne. Under his stewardship, the estate’s six hectares of vines were converted to organic farming, with only sulphur and copper used to protect them from disease. Pinot Noir, Poulsard, Chardonnay and Savagnin thrive here, shaped in particular by soils of clay, limestone, stones and grey marl. Yields are kept low, producing wines that beautifully balance tension, delicacy and vibrancy, with a saline finish. Each vintage offers a sincere, authentic expression of its origins.

Have you heard of Domaine de Saint-Pierre? Perhaps not, since this estate tends to keep to itself. However, their produce deserves all of your attention, especially this red Arbois made from Pinot Noir and Poulsard grapes in the village of Les Corvées. These varieties have been grown with care according to organic principles which ban the use of chemicals. In fact, sulphur and copper are the only products used to battle against any potential vine diseases. The vines are encouraged to draw the necessary nutrients for their development from soils composed of limestone, pebbles, clay and grey marl. They offer limited but concentrated yields which, to no surprise, undergo careful vinification to strongly limit the use of sulphur. On tasting, we are presented with a wine with a lively red colour from which escapes a rather fruity fragrance, introducing a juicy, delicious and crisp palate. This bottle should definitely be enjoyed within its first five years.