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 shaped by clay-limestone soils that are ideally suited to Chardonnay. These soils provide each vine with the nutrients it needs to thrive. The local climate, with cold winters and moderate summers, encourages slow ripening, allowing the grape variety to express its character fully. The Chardonnay grapes are harvested by hand to ensure rigorous selection. Fermentation is carried out with whole clusters and without the addition of cultured yeasts, promoting an authentic expression of both grape and terroir. The wine is then aged in stainless-steel vats and bottled without fining or filtration.
In the glass, the pale, bright yellow hue introduces aromas of white-fleshed fruit – pear and apple – alongside floral notes and a mineral touch. On the palate, a clean, light and airy attack reveals lively acidity and a persistent finish.