Domaine de La Borde

is a highly acclaimed natural wine producer located in Pupillin, within the Jura region of France. The estate, founded in 2003 by Julien Mareschal, quickly gained recognition for its exceptional, terroir-driven wines. Julien Mareschal, having a background in agriculture and winemaking studies in Dijon, was notably influenced by local Jura legends like Pierre Overnoy and Emmanuel Houillon, which shaped his commitment to minimal intervention.

The philosophy at Domaine de La Borde is centered on organic and biodynamic viticulture. The entire 5-hectare estate has been certified organic since 2011 (with biodynamic preparations being trialed since 2009). Julien believes that wine is made primarily in the vineyard, focusing on healthy soils, natural grassing, and avoiding chemical weeding and synthetic molecules. In the cellar, his approach is meticulously hands-off. Fermentations are spontaneous, relying solely on indigenous yeasts. Wines are typically unfined and unfiltered, and made with low or, for many cuvées, no added sulfur. Julien uses both traditional (oak barrels, foudres) and sometimes modern (stainless steel) vessels for aging, ensuring that the Pupillin terroir is not obscured. He is known for both "ouillé" (topped-up, non-oxidative) wines and, notably, his precise and expressive Vin Jaunes.

Domaine de La Borde cultivates all the classic Jura grape varieties: Chardonnay (almost half of his holdings), Savagnin(both "ouillé" and for Vin Jaune), and the red grapes Poulsard, Trousseau, and Pinot Noir. His wines are renowned for their purity, tension, salinity, and profound minerality, offering a precise and direct expression of Jura's cool climate and complex geology, particularly the blue marl-rich valleys of Pupillin.

Where to Find Domaine de La Borde Wines (Julien Mareschal)

Online Retailers (Global & EU Focus)

Wine-Searcher.com **Your primary resource for global availability.** Search for "Domaine de La Borde" or "Julien Mareschal" to find merchants listing their wines and compare prices.
XtraWine (Online, Europe) A large European online wine retailer that often carries a selection of Domaine de La Borde wines.
RAW WINE (Producer Profile - Provides Retailer/Distributor Links) The RAW WINE fair website features a producer profile for Domaine de La Borde, 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 de La Borde wines.
**Specialized Natural Wine Shops Online:** Given their strong natural and biodynamic credentials, many online retailers globally focusing on minimal intervention wines are excellent places to find Domaine de La Borde.

International Retailers & Distributors (Examples by Region)

  • **France (Jura & Beyond):**
    • **Winery Direct Sales & Visits:** You can find contact information on their website (domaine-de-la-borde.fr) or by searching for "Julien Mareschal Pupillin." They are located at Chemin des Vignes, 39600 Pupillin.
    • **Specialized Natural Wine Shops (Cavistes) & Restaurants:** Highly sought after in top natural wine shops and fine dining restaurants across France, especially in Paris, Lyon, and within the Jura region.
  • **United States:**
    • **Weygandt-Metzler Importing:** A key importer for Domaine de La Borde in many US states. Check their website for local distributors/retailers in your state.
    • **Specialty Natural Wine Retailers:** Found in leading independent wine shops in major metropolitan areas (e.g., New York City, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Chicago, Seattle, Portland) that specialize in artisanal French wines and natural selections.
    • Flatiron Wines & Spirits (NY): A well-regarded retailer with locations in NYC that often stocks Domaine de La Borde.
    • SommPicks (CA & Shipping): An online and physical retailer specializing in high-quality wines, including those from Jura.
  • **United Kingdom:**
    • **Les Caves de Pyrène:** A leading UK importer of natural and biodynamic wines, often distributing Domaine de La Borde.
    • **Independent Wine Merchants & Natural Wine Bars:** Widely available in the UK's natural wine scene, particularly in London and other major cities (e.g., Brighton, Bristol). Shops like Pure Wines often feature them.
  • **Canada (Quebec & Ontario examples):**
    • **SAQ (Société des alcools du Québec):** Quebec's provincial liquor board sometimes carries their wines.
    • **Daniel B. Burgundy Direct (Ontario):** An importer specializing in fine French wines, including those from Jura.
    • *Availability in other Canadian provinces will vary; inquire with provincial liquor boards or specialized private importers.*
  • **Germany:**
    • **Die Weinschmecker:** A distributor listed on Domaine de La Borde's website for Germany.
    • *Look for specialized natural wine shops or online platforms like Weinfurore.*
  • **Asia (e.g., Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore):**
    • **OENOCONNEXION / BMO WINE (Japan):** Listed as a distributor for Japan.
    • **Pearl of Burgundy (Hong Kong & Singapore):** Listed as a distributor for these regions.
    • **The Vintage Club (Singapore):** An importer and retailer in Singapore carrying Domaine de La Borde.
    • *Many high-end wine importers and natural wine bars/restaurants in major Asian cities feature these wines due to their prestige.*
  • **Australia:**
  • **Netherlands:**
    • **Farmer Wijnen:** Listed as a distributor for the Netherlands.
  • **Belgium:**
    • **TGW Laurent Melotte:** Listed as a distributor for Belgium.
  • **Italy:**
    • **Caves de Pyrène:** A well-known importer of natural wines in Italy.
  • **Spain:**
    • **Ca L'Arnau / Must of Wines:** Listed as distributors for Spain.

Winery Information & General Profile (Domaine de La Borde - Julien Mareschal)

**Winemaker:** Julien Mareschal (since 2003).
**Location:** Pupillin, Jura, France (often referred to as the "capital of Ploussard").
**Philosophy: Organic & Biodynamic Certification with Minimal Intervention:** Julien Mareschal is a stalwart of natural winemaking. His 5-hectare estate has been **certified organic since 2011** (with biodynamic preparations used since 2009). He emphasizes vineyard health through natural practices, avoiding synthetic products and chemical weeding. In the cellar: Grapes are **hand-harvested** and meticulously sorted. Fermentations are **spontaneous with indigenous yeasts**. Wines are typically **unfined, unfiltered, and made with minimal or no added sulfur**. Julien's focus is on expressing the unique terroir of Pupillin. He uses both traditional (oak barrels, foudres) and sometimes concrete/stainless steel for aging.
**Vineyards:** Approximately 5 hectares in the Pupillin commune of Arbois, with vines ranging from 7 to over 70 years old. Soils are primarily marl (blue, grey, red) and clay-limestone, often on steep slopes (20-35%). Exposures are south and south-west.
**Key Grape Varieties:**
  • **White:** Chardonnay (most planted), Savagnin (for both 'ouillé' and 'sous voile' styles, including Vin Jaune).
  • **Red:** Poulsard (Ploussard), Trousseau, Pinot Noir.
  • **Other:** Used for Crémant du Jura and Vin Jaune.
**Signature Wines (Examples - diverse and terroir-specific):**
  • **Arbois Pupillin Chardonnay 'Terre du Lias':** A pure, mineral-driven, non-oxidative Chardonnay from specific marl soils.
  • **Arbois Pupillin Chardonnay 'Côte de Caillot':** Another key Chardonnay expression, often noted for its taut structure and saline minerality.
  • **Arbois Pupillin Chardonnay 'La Marcette':** A specific parcel expression of Chardonnay.
  • **Arbois Pupillin Savagnin 'Foudre à Canon' (Ouillé):** A compelling non-oxidative Savagnin, celebrated for its freshness and aromatic complexity.
  • **Arbois Pupillin Vin Jaune:** The pinnacle of their production, aged under flor for 6+ years, showcasing incredible depth and longevity.
  • **Arbois Pupillin 'Ploussaperlipopette' (Poulsard):** A vibrant, light-bodied red Poulsard, known for its juicy fruit and easy drinkability.
  • **Arbois Pupillin Pinot Noir 'Pinostradamus':** An elegant and complex Pinot Noir with red fruit and earthy notes.
  • **Arbois Pupillin 'Ad infernum et Salutem' (Pinot Noir/Trousseau):** A captivating red blend.
  • *Julien Mareschal often produces single-parcel wines that are highly expressive of their specific terroir.*
Wines are classified under Arbois Pupillin AOC, Côtes du Jura AOC, and Crémant du Jura AOC, with some 'Vin de France' designations for specific experimental cuvées.
**Production:** Artisanal and limited, making their wines highly sought-after by natural wine enthusiasts and collectors globally.
**Style:** Domaine de La Borde wines are characterized by their purity, tension, and a profound sense of place. They are precise, direct, and often saline, embodying the vibrant energy of Jura's natural wines, whether in the crisp, mineral whites, the elegant reds, or the complex oxidative expressions.