Domaine Bénédicte & Stéphane Tissot – Pioneers of Natural Jura Wines

Founded in 1962 by André and Mireille Tissot, the estate now known as Domaine Bénédicte & Stéphane Tissot has grown to become one of the most iconic and influential wineries in the Jura region of France. In 1989, their son Stéphane Tissot—joined by his wife Bénédicte—took over the domaine and ushered in a bold new chapter defined by biodynamic farming, natural winemaking, and a deep respect for terroir.

Today, the estate spans 50 hectares of certified organic vineyards (since 1999) and has been Demeter-certified biodynamic since 2004. Stéphane’s winemaking philosophy centers on minimal intervention both in the vineyard and the cellar. Fermentations are carried out exclusively with indigenous yeasts, and most wines are bottled unfined, unfiltered, and with little or no added sulfur—what many refer to as “zero-zero” wines.

Domaine Tissot is renowned for its precision and diversity, producing over 30 unique cuvées that reflect the complexity of Jura’s soils, microclimates, and native grape varieties. Each parcel is vinified and aged separately, often in oak barrels, foudres, or amphorae, to best express its character.

The domaine cultivates all the classic Jura varieties:

  • Chardonnay – in both “ouillé” (topped-up) and “sous voile” (oxidative) styles

  • Savagnin – for Vin Jaune, oxidative whites, and topped-up expressions

  • Poulsard, Trousseau, and Pinot Noir – producing fresh, aromatic, and elegant reds

  • Plus limited quantities of Crémant du Jura (sparkling wine) and Macvin du Jura (fortified wine)

Stéphane Tissot is widely respected as a trailblazer in natural winemaking and a true interpreter of Jura terroir. His wines are celebrated around the world for their energy, complexity, and unmistakable sense of place—from mineral-driven whites to structured, soulful reds, and profound oxidative styles.

Where to Find André et Mireille Tissot Wines (Domaine Bénédicte & Stéphane Tissot)

Online Retailers (Global & EU Focus)

Wine-Searcher.com **Your primary resource for global availability.** Search for "Domaine Bénédicte Stéphane Tissot" or "André Mireille Tissot" to find merchants listing their wines and compare prices.
Berry Bros. & Rudd (Online & London Shops, UK) A historic UK wine merchant with an extensive selection of Domaine Tissot's wines, including various Chardonnay, Savagnin, Vin Jaune, and red cuvées.
Les Caves de Pyrène (UK Importer & Retail) A leading UK importer of natural and biodynamic wines, Les Caves de Pyrène is a key source for Domaine Tissot in the UK. Their website lists retailers they supply.
RAW WINE (Producer Profile - Provides Retailer/Distributor Links) The RAW WINE fair website features a producer profile for Domaine Tissot, which often includes links to their global distributors and key retailers.
Vivino.com (Community Reviews & Retailer Links) Vivino provides a good overview of available wines and links to various online retailers that have previously stocked Domaine Tissot wines.
Grand Cru (Singapore Importer/Retailer) A prominent fine wine importer and retailer in Singapore that carries a selection of Domaine Tissot wines for the Asian market.
**Specialized Jura Wine Merchants Online:** Many independent online shops globally specialize in Jura wines, due to the region's unique appeal. These are excellent places to search for specific cuvées.
**Natural/Organic Wine Shops Online:** Given their biodynamic certification and minimal intervention approach, numerous online retailers focusing on natural, organic, or biodynamic wines are prime sources for Domaine Tissot.

International Retailers & Distributors (Examples by Region)

  • **France (Jura & Beyond):**
    • **Winery Direct Sales:** While direct sales from the domaine might be limited to professionals or by appointment, Domaine Tissot is located in Montigny-les-Arsures, near Arbois.
    • **Specialized Wine Shops (Cavistes) & Restaurants:** Widely available in top wine shops and Michelin-starred restaurants across France, particularly in Burgundy, Paris, Lyon, and the Jura region itself.
    • **Natural Wine Bars & Shops:** Found in most major French cities' natural wine scenes.
  • **United States:**
    • **Rosenthal Wine Merchant:** A key importer for Domaine Tissot in many US states. Check their website for local distributors/retailers in your state.
    • **Specialty Wine Shops:** Found in leading independent wine shops in major metropolitan areas (e.g., New York City, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Chicago, Seattle, Portland) that focus on artisanal French wines and natural selections.
    • *Check with reputable online wine retailers that ship within the US.*
  • **United Kingdom:**
    • **Les Caves de Pyrène:** As mentioned above, a primary importer.
    • **Berry Bros. & Rudd:** As mentioned, a major retailer.
    • **Independent Wine Shops & Natural Wine Bars:** Widely available in the UK's natural wine scene, particularly in London, Brighton, Bristol, and other major cities.
  • **Canada:**
    • **The Living Vine (Ontario):** A noted importer of biodynamic and organic wines that includes Domaine Tissot in its portfolio for Ontario.
    • *Availability varies by province, often through provincial liquor boards (e.g., LCBO, SAQ) or specialized private importers.*
  • **Germany:**
    • **Weinakademiker-Verband:** Some specialized German importers focus on natural and biodynamic wines from France. Look for those with a strong Jura portfolio.
    • *Online retailers like Vinatis.de or specialized physical wine shops often carry their wines.*
  • **Scandinavia (Sweden, Norway, Denmark):**
    • *Typically found through state monopolies (Systembolaget, Vinmonopolet) or specific importers that supply restaurants and private customers focusing on high-quality French wines.*
  • **Asia (e.g., Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore):**
    • **Grand Cru (Singapore):** As mentioned.
    • *Numerous high-end wine importers and fine dining establishments in major Asian cities carry Domaine Tissot due to its prestige.*

Winery Information & General Profile (Domaine Bénédicte & Stéphane Tissot)

**Founders:** André et Mireille Tissot (1962).
**Current Winemakers:** Stéphane Tissot and Bénédicte Tissot (since 1989).
**Location:** Montigny-les-Arsures, Jura, France.
**Philosophy: Pioneering Biodynamic Viticulture & Minimal Intervention Winemaking:** Domaine Tissot is a leading figure in biodynamic and natural winemaking. The entire 50-hectare estate has been **Demeter-certified biodynamic since 2004** (organic since 1999). They rigorously promote soil health, biodiversity, and ecosystem balance. In the cellar: Grapes are hand-harvested. Fermentations are exclusively with **indigenous yeasts**. Wines are typically **unfined, unfiltered, and made with minimal or no added sulfur** ("zero-zero" for many cuvées). Stéphane Tissot is renowned for his precise, terroir-driven winemaking, often vinifying and aging individual parcels separately in various vessels (oak barrels, foudres, concrete, and amphorae).
**Vineyards:** Approximately 50 hectares across the Jura, including prime parcels within the Arbois and Château-Chalon appellations. The vineyards encompass a mosaic of diverse soils (marls, limestone, schist), contributing to the complexity of their extensive range of cuvées.
**Key Grape Varieties:**
  • **White:** Chardonnay (most planted, in both "ouillé" and "sous voile" styles), Savagnin (for Vin Jaune, Vin de Voile, and "ouillé" styles).
  • **Red:** Poulsard (or Ploussard), Trousseau, Pinot Noir.
  • **Other:** Used for Crémant du Jura (traditional method sparkling) and Macvin du Jura (fortified wine).
**Signature Wines (Examples - highly sought after and diverse):**
  • **Arbois Chardonnay 'Patchwork':** A blend of different Chardonnay parcels, representing a pure, precise "ouillé" style.
  • **Arbois Savagnin 'En Spois' (Sous Voile):** A classic oxidative Savagnin aged under flor, known for its nutty, spicy complexity.
  • **Château-Chalon Vin Jaune:** The pinnacle of Jura's oxidative winemaking, aged for 6+ years under flor, offering unparalleled depth and longevity.
  • **Arbois Pinot Noir 'DD':** A vibrant, elegant, and aromatic red Pinot Noir, often made with zero sulfur.
  • **Arbois Trousseau 'Singulier':** A powerful yet refined red from the Trousseau grape, showcasing its distinct savory and red fruit character.
  • **Crémant du Jura 'Indigène':** A sparkling wine made with indigenous yeasts, reflecting purity and terroir.
  • *They produce over 30 distinct cuvées, showcasing the unique expressions of their terroir and grapes.*
Wines are classified under Arbois AOC, Côtes du Jura AOC, Crémant du Jura AOC, Château-Chalon AOC, and Macvin du Jura AOC.
**Production:** Extensive for the Jura region, but still artisanal, with each cuvée meticulously managed.
**Style:** Characterized by remarkable purity, precision, and a profound sense of place. Domaine Tissot's wines range from fresh, mineral-driven whites and vibrant reds to complex, oxidative masterpieces, all embodying a commitment to biodynamic viticulture and transparent winemaking.