Domaine Novice is a small, natural wine estate located in Poligny, Jura, France, established by Yves Roy and Christelle Roy in 2014. Yves, a retrained winemaker who studied under Valentin Morel, purchased 5 hectares of vines to craft wines that express the Jura’s unique terroir.

The domaine is committed to organic and biodynamic viticulture, producing vibrant, fruit-forward wines with minimal intervention, reflecting the region’s limestone and clay soils.

Winemaking Philosophy

• Organic and Biodynamic Viticulture: Certified organic and following biodynamic principles (Demeter certification not confirmed), Yves avoids synthetic pesticides, herbicides, or fertilizers. Vines are worked mechanically to preserve soil health, emphasizing each plot’s distinct terroir. Harvests are manual, ensuring careful grape selection.

• Natural Winemaking: In the cellar, Yves adheres to a hands-off approach: spontaneous fermentation with native yeasts, no sulfites, no filtration, and no fining. Wines are aged for 1 year in vats or barrels, followed by bottle resting to settle, resulting in pure, unmanipulated expressions.

• Grape Varieties and Cuvées:

  • Chardonnay: Produces crisp, mineral-driven whites with apple, citrus, and floral notes.

  • Savagnin: Known for oxidative (sous-voile) or non-oxidative styles, offering nutty, saline, or green apple flavors.

  • Poulsard (Ploussard): Light reds with red berry, cherry, and earthy aromas, low tannins.

  • Trousseau: Medium-bodied reds with darker fruit, spice, and structured tannins.

  • Specific cuvées are less documented but described as “small bombs of fruit and complexity,” showcasing Jura’s grape varieties (e.g., Vin Jaune-style Savagnin or vibrant Poulsard).

• Terroir: Jura’s limestone and clay soils, combined with a cool, continental climate, impart minerality and freshness. Each plot is vinified to highlight its unique characteristics.

Background

• Founders: Yves Roy, a Jura native, transitioned to winemaking with training from Valentin Morel, a respected natural winemaker. Christelle supports the domaine’s operations. Their focus is on simplicity and authenticity, rooted in Yves’s connection to his homeland.

• Vision: To produce wines that are direct expressions of Jura’s terroir, free from additives, with a commitment to environmental stewardship.

• Scale: With 5 hectares, production is small, making Novice wines sought-after in natural wine circles.