Domaine de la Tournelle

Natural Winemaking at the Soul of Arbois

Nestled in Arbois, Jura, Domaine de la Tournelle was founded in 1991 by Évelyne and Pascal Clairet. Since then, it has evolved into a boutique benchmark for organic and minimal-intervention wines in the region—deeply rooted in terroir and tradition.

Philosophy & Viticulture

At the heart of the estate’s ethos is a dedication to human-scale, chemical-free farming, with all vineyards owned and managed directly by the family—no negociant sourcing. They practice certified organic agriculture since 2010, and fully embraced biodynamic methods since 2007.

• Soil health is maintained through controlled grassing, frequent tilling, and compost or horse manure every three years.

• Only copper and sulfur treatments are used for vine protection—no herbicides or synthetic sprays.

• Yields are limited to around 40 hl/ha via carefully managed Guyot pruning and massale selection plantings.

Winemaking: Pure & Terroir‑Driven

The winemaking approach is equally mindful and minimalist:

• Hand-harvested grapes in small crates with strict sorting.

• Gentle pneumatic pressing of whole clusters.

• Spontaneous fermentation using native yeasts, with no added SO₂ in most cuvées.

• Aging takes place on fine lees in cool, vaulted cellars, using neutral oak or large foudres—not new barrels.

• Wines are bottled unfiltered and unfined, preserving their character and integrity. (

Vineyard & Wines

From their roughly 7 hectares of vines, Clairet produce a diverse selection of varietal Jura wines made without added sulfites or filtration. Their focus is on highlighting native grapes and terroir expression: Savagnin, Chardonnay, Ploussard, Trousseau, and more.

Signature Wines

• Vin Jaune: Aged 6–7 years under a natural yeast veil—no topping up or added SO₂—for profound nutty depth and saline lift.

• Trousseau des Corvées: Characterful, mineral-driven reds, often vinified without sulfur.

• L’Uva Arbosiana (Ploussard): Fermented via semi-carbonic maceration. Bright, red-fruited, easy‑drinking yet distinctive.

• Fleur de Savagnin & Les Corvées sous Curon: Expressive Savagnin bottlings, sometimes with ouillage or passerillage.

These wines consistently reflect the Clairets’ dual commitment to precision in the cellar and authenticity in the vineyard—a delicate balance that has earned them acclaim across natural wine circles.

The Estate

• Location: 5 Petite Place, 39600 Arbois, Jura, France

• Contact: Tel. 03 84 66 25 76 • Email: domainedelatournelle@wanadoo.fr

• Tasting Room: Includes Le Bistrot de la Tournelle—a serene riverside tasting spot open seasonally. (jura-tourism.com, domainedelatournelle.com)

Why Domaine de la Tournelle Matters

Domaine de la Tournelle blends Jura tradition with a thoughtful, sustainable approach—producing wines that are elegant, terroir-driven, and transparently made. Their estate upholds a legacy of innovation rooted in nature, and their small-scale operation ensures that each bottle reflects the Clairet’s unwavering attention to detail and respect for the land.

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