Jean-Francois farms just under 4 hectares of vines around Grusse in the south of the Jura. Formerly a graphic designer and wine merchant moved into winemaking, spending a few years working at Domaine Buronfosse before setting up his own estate, slowly finding some vines for himself. It is very early days in his journey, but he is already making remarkably accomplished, detailed and powerful wines. The Chardonnays tend to be given a long elevage and aged in burgundy barrels, the reds in tank and released a little younger. As is usual for growers in this region, quantities are limited. 

The Côtes du Jura Chardonnay “Premier pas” cuvée comes from a blend of two plots located in Grusse. The soils of this terroir are essentially composed of gray Lias marl covered by silt.

The grapes were pressed direct and the wine was aged for 14 months in old Burgundy barrels. After a disastrous 2021, where he lost almost everything to frost, Jean-Francois has bounced back with perhaps our favourite wine from him so far. Crystalline fruit, length and real depth and minerality. Generous now, it will age quite wonderfully too.