Domaines des Marnes Blanches, Pauline et Geraud Fromont, Jura
AOC: Côtes du Jura (Sud Revermont)
Varieties: Chardonnay, Savagnin, Poulsard, Pinot Noir, Trousseau
Viticulture: Organic (Ecocert)
Size: 10 hectares
Production: 7000/9000 cases a year
Terroirs: White marl, red marl, limestone, fossilized limestone (Gryphées)
Varieties: Chardonnay, Savagnin, Poulsard, Pinot Noir, Trousseau
Viticulture: Organic (Ecocert)
Size: 10 hectares
Production: 7000/9000 cases a year
Terroirs: White marl, red marl, limestone, fossilized limestone (Gryphées)
Natives of the Jura, but from farming rather than winemaking backgrounds, Géraud and Pauline Fromont began this Domaine when they were in their mid-20s, and are ambitious, talented young winemakers. They share all vineyard, cellar, and sales duties, and are rising stars in the region.
The Marnes Blanches vineyards are divided between three towns: Cesancey, Vincelles, and Ste-Agnès. The Fromonts acquired their Cesancey vineyards first, and those feature the “white marl” soil that gives the Domaine its name, with topsoil of limestone. The vineyards in Ste-Agnès and Vincelles are primarily red marl, with fossilized limestone. With vines up to 100 years old and interesting local strains such as Melon-Queue-Rouge and Savagnin Muscaté, the Fromonts have excellent material to work with in the cellar. They began farming organically immediately upon beginning the Domaine in 2006 and are now Ecocert certified, with plowing between rows.
As with most Jura producers, the Fromonts make a variety of cuvees ranging from ouillé whites, to sous-voile whites, to Crémants white and rosé, single variety reds, and a delicious vin de paille. They work with all native yeast. Parcels are vinified separately and aged in either stainless steel or neutral cask. Sulfuring is minimal, and they’ve begun tentatively to experiment with sans soufre winemaking.
The Fromonts ouillé white wines are labeled “Reflet” and their sous-voile whites “Empreinte” to indicate which wines are purely reflective of terroir, and which are “imprinted” by winemaking style. Of particular note amongst their collection of topped-up wines are Savagnin Muscaté “Le Jensillard” and Chardonnay “Le Levrette” from old vines on fossilized limestone. The reds are typically delicate and elegant, with Poulsard showing the zesty, high-toned notes of pomegranate and blood orange that make us love the grape. These are clean, pure, vibrant wines with all styles well-executed and delicious.
In 2018 they also began a négoce project called Coup de Jus. These are made with certified organic fruit in tank and are pure glou glou.
The Fromonts ouillé white wines are labeled “Reflet” and their sous-voile whites “Empreinte” to indicate which wines are purely reflective of terroir, and which are “imprinted” by winemaking style. Of particular note amongst their collection of topped-up wines are Savagnin Muscaté “Le Jensillard” and Chardonnay “Le Levrette” from old vines on fossilized limestone. The reds are typically delicate and elegant, with Poulsard showing the zesty, high-toned notes of pomegranate and blood orange that make us love the grape. These are clean, pure, vibrant wines with all styles well-executed and delicious.
In 2018 they also began a négoce project called Coup de Jus. These are made with certified organic fruit in tank and are pure glou glou.
