La Tournelle

History of Domaine de la Tournelle

Domaine de la Tournelle was established in the early 1990s in Arbois, the historic heart of Jura wine. It was founded by Evelyne and Pascal Clairet, two enthusiasts who decided to revive a family winegrowing heritage that had lain dormant. Their ambition was clear from the outset: to produce wines with depth and freedom that remain true to the Jura’s identity.

From early on, the estate embraced clean, committed viticulture, eschewing chemical inputs and favoring manual work in the vineyards. Over the years, Domaine de la Tournelle has become a leading figure in the Jura’s revival, alongside other notable producers in the Arbois appellation. Produced in small quantities, its cuvées quickly gained national and international recognition.

Today, the estate continues to uphold exacting artisanal standards, grounded in respect for terroir and a low-intervention approach to winemaking. This philosophy makes it an essential destination for anyone looking to buy authentic wine from a respected producer.

Terroirs and Vineyards of Domaine de la Tournelle

Domaine de la Tournelle’s vineyards cover around ten hectares spread across the area surrounding Arbois, on geologically diverse terroirs. The vines take root in the blue marl, limestone and clay soils typical of the Jura, which give the wines their mineral signature and aromatic complexity.

The region’s emblematic grape varieties are carefully cultivated here:

• Chardonnay and Savagnin for the white wines,
• Pinot Noir, Trousseau and Poulsard for the red wines.

The vineyards are farmed according to organic principles, with regular soil cultivation, controlled yields and constant attention to biodiversity. Each plot is treated as a distinct micro-terroir, allowing the estate to produce exceptionally precise single-plot cuvées—true grands crus of the Jura.

This exacting approach in the vineyards provides the essential foundation for wines of great purity, sought after by enthusiasts of distinctive bottles and rare wines.

Winemaking at Domaine de la Tournelle

In the cellar, the philosophy is simple: let the grapes do the work. Harvesting is done by hand, and fermentation relies exclusively on indigenous yeasts, without winemaking additives. Intervention is kept to a strict minimum to preserve the integrity of the fruit and the expression of the terroir.

Depending on the cuvée, the white wines may be aged in one of two ways:

• in a topped-up style, to preserve freshness and tension,
• or aged under a veil of yeast, in the great Jura tradition.

The red wines, meanwhile, are made gently, with delicate extraction and aging that respects the fruit. The estate favors natural fermentation and very limited sulfur additions, firmly placing its wines in the world of true natural wines.

This approach produces lively, vibrant wines, often ready to drink when young but also capable of developing beautifully in the cellar—perfect for building a collection of older vintages.

The Cuvées of Domaine de la Tournelle

Fleur de Savagnin

A leading white cuvée from the estate, made from Savagnin aged under a veil of yeast. It offers characteristic aromas of walnut, spice and curry, with a powerful, saline palate. An essential introduction to traditional Jura style.

Terres de Gryphées

A remarkably refined, topped-up Chardonnay defined by freshness and minerality. Its taut, elegant profile makes it a much-loved wine for the table and an excellent choice to drink now.

Arbois Trousseau

A flagship red cuvée, this Trousseau offers notes of crisp red fruit and spice, along with a fine tannic structure. A wine of character, ideal for those who enjoy easy-drinking, authentic reds.

Arbois Poulsard

Light and delicate, this Poulsard reveals a pale color and a subtle bouquet of fresh fruit. Perfect for anyone seeking a fine, airy red typical of the Jura.

Arbois Pinot Noir

More structured, this Pinot Noir combines elegance and depth. Its silky tannins and vibrant fruit make it an excellent wine for the table.

Vin Jaune

A true jewel of the estate, Vin Jaune is made from Savagnin after long aging under a veil of yeast. It is one of the Jura’s greatest wines, built to age and sought after by collectors of older vintages.

Macvin du Jura

The estate also produces a Macvin, a traditional fortified wine perfect as an aperitif or with dessert.

Depending on availability, some cuvées are offered in magnums and large formats, ideal for cellaring or special occasions.

Food and Wine Pairings

The wines of Domaine de la Tournelle offer a wonderful variety of food pairings. Topped-up whites such as Terres de Gryphées pair beautifully with grilled fish, chicken in cream sauce or goat cheese.

The wines aged under a veil of yeast, particularly Fleur de Savagnin and the renowned Vin Jaune, pair ideally with aged Comté, chicken with morels or a spiced dish.

For reds, Trousseau and Poulsard pair beautifully with fine charcuterie, white meats or bistro-style cuisine. The more structured Pinot Noir is a perfect match for duck breast or a firm, cooked cheese.

This versatility makes La Tournelle’s wines perfect companions at the table in every season.

Conclusion

Domaine de la Tournelle embodies the living spirit of Jura winegrowing. Through its respect for terroir, its exacting vineyard work and its artisanal approach to winemaking, it produces unique wines of depth and sincerity. Whether you are looking for a mineral white, an elegant red or a great Vin Jaune to cellar, the estate’s cuvées are essential references for lovers of authentic wines.

When you choose Vins et Millesimes to buy wine online, you gain access to a carefully selected range of Domaine de la Tournelle’s finest cuvées, available with complete confidence. Explore rare wines, older vintages, magnums and large-format bottles, as well as wines on sale and new arrivals regularly featured on the site. With attractive offers, volume discounts and wines sourced directly from the estate, Vins et Millesimes is an essential destination for enriching your cellar with great wines and enjoying a reliable shopping experience tailored to true enthusiasts.