Domaine du Pelican
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Domaine du Pelican 〰️
Domaine du Pélican is a biodynamic winery in Montigny-lès-Arsures, near Arbois, in the Jura region. Established in 2012 by Guillaume d’Angerville, a fifth-generation winemaker from Domaine Marquis d’Angerville in Volnay (Burgundy), and his estate manager François Duvivier, it has become a standout producer in Jura. The project began after d’Angerville, inspired by a blind tasting in 2007 where he mistook a Jura Chardonnay for a Burgundy, sought to explore Jura’s unique terroir. The winery is named after the pelican, a symbol from the Arbois coat of arms.
Vineyards and Terroir:
Size: The estate spans 15 hectares, with 10 hectares acquired from the retiring Jacques Puffeney in 2012 and additional plots in 2014, including vineyards previously leased by Jean-Marc Brignot.
Terroir: Vineyards are spread across the villages of Montigny-lès-Arsures and Arbois, featuring clay and limestone soils with marl subsoils, ideal for Jura’s grape varieties. Key sites include En Barbi and Grand Curoulet.
Biodynamic Practices: Certified biodynamic since 2017, the estate emphasizes sustainable viticulture, with meticulous attention to soil health and vine balance.
Grape Varieties:
White: Chardonnay (50%), Savagnin (20%).
Red: Poulsard, Trousseau, Pinot Noir (30% combined).
These varieties reflect Jura’s traditional grapes, with Pinot Noir showing d’Angerville’s Burgundian influence.
Wines: Domaine du Pélican produces a range of wines under the Arbois AOC, known for their precision, minerality, and balance:
Arbois Chardonnay: Elegant, with citrus, stone fruit, and mineral notes, often compared to fine Burgundy whites.
Arbois Savagnin: Oxidative or ouillé (topped-up) styles, showcasing Jura’s signature nutty, saline character.
Arbois Trois Cépages: A red blend of Poulsard, Trousseau, and Pinot Noir, offering bright fruit, spice, and finesse.
Arbois Poulsard and Arbois Trousseau: Light, aromatic reds with red berry flavors and earthy undertones.
Vin Jaune (introduced in recent vintages): A traditional Jura oxidative wine made from Savagnin, aged under a veil of yeast for over six years.
Winemaking Philosophy:
Combines Burgundian techniques (e.g., precise vinification, barrel aging) with Jura’s traditions.
Uses minimal intervention, natural yeasts, and low sulfur to express terroir.
Wines are aged in oak (often neutral).
Where to Find Domaine du Pélican Wines
Online Retailers (Global & EU Focus)
International Retailers & Distributors (Examples & General Tips)
- **United Kingdom:**
- **Justerini & Brooks (UK Merchant):** A highly prestigious UK wine merchant that actively sells Domaine du Pélican wines. They often have allocations direct from the domaine.
- **Corney & Barrow (UK Merchant):** Another leading UK merchant that distributes Domaine du Pélican. Their library site provides excellent background information.
- **The Good Wine Shop (UK Retailer):** Online and physical shops in the UK that carry Domaine du Pélican.
- *Look for top-tier independent wine merchants in London and other major UK cities known for their French and fine wine selections, especially those with a focus on Burgundy or Jura.*
- **United States:**
- **Grand Cru Selections (US Importer):** This prominent importer directly represents Domaine du Pélican in the US. Their website (grandcruselections.com) provides detailed information and lists distributors by state, who then sell to local retailers and restaurants.
- **K&L Wine Merchants (CA, Online US):** A large and well-regarded retailer that frequently stocks Domaine du Pélican wines.
- **Chambers Street Wines (NY, Online US):** Known for its selection of natural and traditionally made wines, including Jura. They often carry Pélican.
- **Zachys (NY, Online US):** A major fine wine retailer and auction house that often has Pélican wines available.
- **JJ Buckley Fine Wines (Online US):** Another large online retailer that carries Pélican.
- *Contact fine wine shops, particularly those with a strong French or Burgundy focus, in major US cities (e.g., NYC, LA, SF, Chicago, Boston) and ask about availability or their distributor connections.*
- **Asia (e.g., Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore):**
- **Corney & Barrow - Hong Kong:** Distributes Domaine du Pélican in Hong Kong.
- **K Cellars (Hong Kong) Limited:** Also lists Pélican wines.
- *Check with fine wine merchants and high-end restaurants in major Asian cities. Given the Burgundy connection, these wines are highly sought after in these markets.*
- **Canada:**
- Availability in Canadian provinces typically goes through provincial liquor boards (LCBO, SAQ, BCLDB, etc.) or their designated private agencies. Specific private importers may also exist. Search the respective provincial liquor board websites.
- **Germany:**
- **Kierdorf Wein (Online, Germany):** Carries Domaine du Pélican.
- **WeinArt (Online, Germany):** As mentioned, a strong source.
- *Look for fine wine shops and importers specializing in French wines.*
- **General Tips:**
- **Vintage Availability:** Due to limited production and high demand, specific vintages may sell out quickly. Online retailers often list multiple vintages, so always check what's currently in stock.
- **Pricing:** As a domaine associated with Marquis d'Angerville, prices for Pélican wines reflect their quality and demand, often commanding a premium for Jura wines.
- **Biodynamic Certification (Demeter):** This certification can help identify retailers who prioritize biodynamic wines.
- **"Ouillé" vs. "Sous Voile":** Be aware that Pélican's white wines are primarily "ouillé" (topped up, non-oxidative), which is a key distinction from traditional oxidative Jura whites, though they are now making Vin Jaune.
Winery Information & General Profile
- **Arbois Chardonnay:** Often from specific lieu-dits like "En Barbi" or "Grand Curoulet," offering elegance and minerality.
- **Arbois Savagnin Ouillé:** A pure, fresh, non-oxidative expression of Savagnin, highlighting its aromatic complexity.
- **Arbois Trois Cépages:** A red blend of Pinot Noir, Trousseau, and Poulsard.
- **Arbois Pinot Noir:** Pure varietal expression, showcasing elegance and finesse.
- **Arbois Poulsard:** A light-bodied, delicate red wine, often with floral and red berry notes.
- **Arbois Trousseau "Béranger":** A more structured Trousseau from a specific vineyard.
- **Arbois Savagnin Macération Pelliculaire:** A skin-contact ("orange") Savagnin.
- **Arbois Vin Jaune:** Their oxidative Savagnin (first vintage released in 2022).
- **Arbois Brut S Zéro:** A natural sparkling Savagnin (Pét-Nat).
