Arbois Terres Bleues Domaine de la Touraize 2020

Domaine de la Touraize is a historic Arbois estate in the Jura that has belonged to the same family since at least the early 18th century. Today, it is run by André-Jean Morin and his wife Héléna. The nine-hectare vineyard, which includes some plots of 80-year-old vines, is certified biodynamic, with soil cultivation and biodynamic preparations used alongside sulphur and copper treatments. The same natural approach continues in the cellar, with spontaneous fermentations and no inputs, apart from a small amount of sulphur at bottling if required. The wines are neither fined nor filtered. An excellent Jura estate producing refined wines at remarkably accessible prices.

Terres Bleues from Domaine de la Touraize is a wine produced from the Savagnin grape variety in the appellation of Arbois. At an altitude of 300 metres, the vines, ranging from 15 to 40 years in age, extend over 0.7 hectares of northwest-facing, blue marl ground in the hamlets of Petit Curoulet and La Chenaillotte. The land is worked many times throughout the season, without any use of herbicides, and is enriched with manure placed in horns and silica to naturally strengthen the vines. The winemaking process starts with a whole cluster pneumatic pressing that is followed by a static gravity settling. Alcoholic and malolactic fermentations take place in barrels with native yeast. Ageing on fine lees lasts for 18 months during which time there is weekly topping up (ouillage) to preserve the freshness of this grape variety. There is no filtration before bottling.
On the nose, the wine unveils a complex, seductive aromatic palette, mixing notes of dried fruit, green apples and white flowers, with a subtle hint of nut and curry. On the palate, it reveals a nice body, a noticeable minerality and a remarkable freshness.