Domaine de la Tournelle: A Legacy of Natural Winemaking in Jura
In 1991, Evelyne and Pascal Clairet founded Domaine de la Tournelle, a winery deeply rooted in the traditions of Arbois, in the Jura region of France. Their passion for natural winemaking led them to cultivate their vineyards with a commitment to organic practices, manual harvesting, indigenous yeasts, and long aging periods in barrels and large casks. Rejecting chemical additives, sulfites, and filtration, they sought to create wines that express the purest essence of their terroir.
The estate spans eight hectares, primarily planted with white grape varieties typical of the region—Savagnin and Chardonnay—alongside reds such as Trousseau and Ploussard. Domaine de la Tournelle is renowned for producing traditional Jura wines, including Terre de Gryphées and the iconic Vin Jaune, while also exploring innovative winemaking techniques, such as carbonic maceration in their Uva Arbosiana red. Their approach reflects both the deep-rooted heritage of the Jura appellation and the estate’s dedication to pushing its boundaries.
Tragically, in 2021, Pascal Clairet passed away, leaving the estate solely in the hands of Evelyne. Despite this loss, she continues to uphold their shared vision, ensuring that Domaine de la Tournelle remains a beacon of natural winemaking in the Jura. In addition to her work in the vineyards, Evelyne also runs Bistrot de La Tournelle, a charming seasonal bistro nestled in their garden by the water in the heart of Arbois, where visitors can enjoy the estate’s wines alongside carefully curated local dishes.
Domaine de la Tournelle stands as a symbol of authenticity, passion, and resilience, embodying the best of natural winemaking while preserving the legacy of its founders.