Domaine de La Loue — Authentic Natural Wines from Jura
Nestled in Port-Lesney, just 20 km north of Arbois in the Jura region, Domaine de La Loue is a small yet highly regarded natural wine producer. Founded in 2009 by Catherine Hannoun—a former film producer inspired by the landmark natural wine documentary Mondovino—the domaine embodies a passionate commitment to pure, uncompromising winemaking.
A Journey from Film to Vineyards
After working alongside natural wine pioneer Emmanuel Houillon (Domaine Overnoy), Catherine embraced the Jura’s unique terroir and natural viticulture philosophy. Her approach blends organic farming—often bordering on biodynamics—with traditional, low-impact practices like ploughing with donkeys and horses to nurture healthy soils and biodiversity.
Minimal Intervention, Maximum Expression
In the cellar, Domaine de La Loue follows strict natural winemaking principles:
Spontaneous fermentation with indigenous yeasts only
No added sulfur at any stage, relying on meticulous cellar management and healthy fruit
Wines are typically unfined and unfiltered to preserve purity
Aging in old barrels or stainless steel, avoiding new oak influence
Jura’s Classic Varieties, Distinctive Terroir
Catherine cultivates key Jura grapes—Chardonnay, Savagnin, Pinot Noir, and Trousseau—across small vineyard parcels in Port-Lesney, Pupillin, Marnoz, Buffard, and Aglepierre. The wines reflect the region’s vibrant terroir with a striking balance of freshness and complexity.
Due to the domaine’s small size and strict natural practices, production remains limited, making these wines highly sought after by natural wine lovers worldwide.
Where to Find Domaine de La Loue Wines
Online Retailers (Global & EU Focus)
International Retailers & Distributors (Examples by Region)
- **France (Jura & Beyond):**
- **Winery Direct Sales & Visits:** Domaine de La Loue is located at 5 Route de Lorette, 39600 Port-Lesney, France. While they don't have a direct online shop, visits and tastings are often possible **by appointment** (Lenezdanslevert.com provides contact email/phone). You might also find information on Jura Tourisme.
- **Specialized Wine Shops (Cavistes) & Restaurants:** Highly sought after in natural wine-focused shops, wine bars, and authentic bistros across France, particularly within the Jura region and major cities like Paris. Look for shops like Les Jardins de St-Vincent (located near Arbois).
- **United States:**
- **Thirst Merchants (Importer/Retailer - NY, PA):** A key importer for Domaine de La Loue in the US market. While their stock sells out quickly, keep an eye on their page for allocations (thirstmerchants.com).
- **Terrestrial Wine Co. (Importer/Retailer - Florida):** Another importer that brings Domaine de La Loue to the US. Check their product listings, e.g., "La Brute" (Small Wine Shop, Fort Lauderdale is supplied by them).
- **Specialty Natural Wine Retailers:** Found in leading independent wine shops in major metropolitan areas (e.g., New York City, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Chicago, Portland, Seattle, Austin) that specialize in artisanal French wines, especially those from Jura.
- **United Kingdom:**
- **Beattie & Roberts (Importer):** A prominent UK importer that represents Domaine de La Loue. Check their producer page for current wines and stockist information (beattieandroberts.com).
- **Independent Natural Wine Merchants:** Widely available in the UK's natural wine scene, particularly in London.
- **Germany:**
- **Weinskandal:** As mentioned above, a primary source for Domaine de La Loue in Germany.
- *Look for other specialized natural wine shops or online platforms that import low-intervention French wines.*
- **Denmark:**
- **Vintro:** As mentioned above, a key source for Domaine de La Loue in Denmark.