A native from the Jura, Nicolas Jacob first worked with organic vegetable growers before turning to wine, training in organic viticulture and oenology at Montmorot. He learned his craft under some of the best, starting at Domaine Macle and then with Jean-François Ganevat, where he spent several years. By 2015, he was ready to strike out on his own and bought a single hectare vineyard planted with Chardonnay, Savagnin and Pinot Noir, in the heart of the beautiful L’Étoile appellation. Like his mentor, Jacob has always favoured a natural approach: the vines are certified organic, fermentations are spontaneous, ageing tends to be long, and sulphur is used sparingly, if at all. The winemaker showcases the southern Jura’s diverse terroirs by vinifying plot by plot and crafting an array of micro-cuvées. This is even more true since 2019, when the estate expanded with the purchase of a winery and additional plots, reaching a total of six hectares?–?mostly planted with Chardonnay and Savagnin, alongside classic Jura varieties such as Poulsard and Trousseau complementing the range. A producer to follow closely.

The terroir of L’Étoile is defined by its clay-limestone soils, ideally suited to Gamay. These soils impart distinctive freshness and minerality to the wine. The local climate, with cold winters and moderate summers, encourages slow ripening, allowing the grape variety to express its character fully. The Gamay grapes are harvested by hand to ensure rigorous selection. Fermentation then takes place with whole clusters without added cultured yeasts, promoting a natural expression of the fruit. The wine is aged in stainless-steel vats and bottled without fining or filtration to preserve purity and authenticity.
The wine presents a bright, light ruby hue leading to a bouquet of fresh red fruit – cherry and raspberry – alongside floral notes and a delicate mineral touch. On the palate, a clean, light and airy attack reveals lively acidity and fine-grained tannins. The finish is persistent, lifted by fresh fruit and a hint of spice.