Valentin Morel - Les Pieds sur Terre

History of Domaine Valentin Morel - Les Pieds sur Terre

The adventure of Domaine Les Pieds sur Terre begins in 2014, when Valentin Morel, after studying international law and holding a post as a prefectural attaché, decides to return to his rural roots to take over the family estate located in Poligny, in the Jura. Deeply marked by his reading (Rudolf Steiner for biodynamics, Masanobu Fukuoka for natural farming, Matthew B. Crawford for his praise of manual work), he chooses to rename the estate Les Pieds sur Terre, a name that conveys at once a state of mind, a tribute to the pioneers of organic farming who were long ridiculed, and a nod to the famous France Culture radio program.

Before taking over the estate, Valentin trained alongside emblematic winemakers in Alsace such as Pierre Frick and Bruno Schueller, essential references in natural wine. He then worked for four years alongside his father Jean-Luc Morel, who already cultivated the vineyard organically, before taking the reins alone in 2018. Today, accompanied by two permanent employees, Nicolas Boudier and Marc Bollotte, Valentin runs the estate with a holistic approach, mindful of passing on the memory of a terroir while responding to the challenges of climate disruption. His book Un autre vin bears witness to this intellectual and political commitment to a living and clear-sighted viticulture.

Terroirs and Vineyards of Domaine Valentin Morel - Les Pieds sur Terre

The 7.5 hectares of vines at Domaine Les Pieds sur Terre spread across the commune of Poligny, in the AOC Côtes du Jura appellation, and are divided into five distinct zones. Les Trouillots, the estate's flagship parcel of 2.6 hectares located on a hillside to the north of Poligny, rests on grey and blue Lias marl soils. Saint Savin deploys its chardonnays on a hillside of Bathonian limestone scree, while Les Frins, planted in 1979, offers chardonnays on a slightly clayey limestone scree soil. En Bois d'Arnaux, a 2.20-hectare parcel, rests on the celebrated Keuper iridescent marls (Triassic) and is home to trousseau, poulsard and savagnin planted between 2015 and 2018. Champ d'Aubert completes the ensemble.

The entire vineyard is cultivated using organic and biodynamic farming, with application of preparations 500 (horn manure), 501 (horn silica) and 508 (horsetail decoction), complemented by herbal teas of horsetail, nettle, comfrey, meadowsweet and yarrow. Soil cultivation is carried out mechanically with an inter-row blade and the base of the vines is worked with a pickaxe, with an absolute concern for respect for living things. Convinced that 80% of the wine is made in the vineyard, Valentin Morel promotes the microbiological life of the soils through cover crops and also explores disease-resistant hybrid grape varieties, aware of the climatic challenges facing Jura viticulture.

Vinification at Domaine Valentin Morel - Les Pieds sur Terre

The winemaking philosophy of Domaine Les Pieds sur Terre is resolutely natural and minimally interventionist. Harvesting is carried out by hand, in crates, in order to preserve the integrity of the grapes. Fermentations take place solely through the indigenous yeasts naturally present on the berries, with no addition of selected yeasts whatsoever. Oenological inputs are banned; only a homeopathic dose of sulfur (always below 20 mg per liter) may be added depending on the vintages and cuvées, and only when strictly necessary.

Inspired by the thinking of Masanobu Fukuoka, Valentin Morel seeks to craft wines that are above all fermented grape juices, without manipulation or artifice. Vinifications are carried out parcel by parcel, in respect of the individual character of each terroir, and aging is conducted according to the profiles of the cuvées (in tank, in barrel, or under a veil for the traditional Jura savagnins). The result is natural wines of great purity, sincere, fine, vibrant and full of energy, which rank among the references of Jura natural wine.

The cuvées of Domaine Valentin Morel - Les Pieds sur Terre

Chardonnay Les Trouillots: The estate's emblematic cuvée, this topped-up chardonnay from the Les Trouillots parcel, planted on grey and blue Lias marls, offers a straight, taut and mineral wine. The fruit is pure, the palate fresh and saline, with a beautiful length. A fully realized expression of the Poligny terroir.

Chardonnay Saint Savin: From a hillside parcel of Bathonian limestone scree, this topped-up chardonnay stands out for its roundness, balance and sustained length. A wine of great finesse, it expresses the limestone signature of the terroir with elegance.

Chardonnay Les Frins: Planted in 1979 on slightly clayey limestone scree, this chardonnay parcel gives birth to a mature, deep and harmonious cuvée, marked by the aromatic complexity of old vines.

Champ d'Aubert: A surprising chardonnay vinified by maceration, this orange wine offers an original and textured expression, with aromas of candied citrus, honey and gentle spices. A cuvée off the beaten track for lovers of discovery.

Naturé (topped-up Savagnin): Vinified topped-up (without a veil), this savagnin named Naturé reveals great fruit purity, a crystalline tension and true freshness. A modern and precise take on the Jura's star grape variety.

Savagnin sous voile: Aged according to Jura tradition under a veil of yeast for several years, this oxidative savagnin unfolds typical aromas of green walnut, curry and almond, with a finish of great salinity. A gastronomic wine of remarkable finesse.

Trousseau Les Trouillots: Considered the estate's flagship red, this trousseau from the Les Trouillots parcel offers a translucent ruby robe and a palate of great elegance, with notes of tangy red fruits, spices and a vibrant fruitiness. A refined and digestible thirst-quenching wine.

Poulsard Les Trouillots: An endemic red grape variety of the Jura, the poulsard expresses here all its aromatic delicacy with a very pale robe, a nose of small red berries and an airy, delicate and juicy palate. To be enjoyed for its generous and thirst-quenching character.

Pinot Noir: Vinified in the vein of the estate's easy-drinking wines, this Jura Pinot Noir reveals a crunchy fruit, a light structure and great drinkability. A generous and approachable cuvée that nonetheless retains the elegance of the grape variety.

En Bois d'Arnaux: From the eponymous 2.20-hectare parcel on Keuper iridescent marls, this cuvée highlights the distinctive character of the Triassic terroir, with a deep mineral backbone and an intense expression, depending on the blends and vintages (trousseau, poulsard or savagnin).

Crémant Alter Natif: A Crémant du Jura vinified without added sulfur, with second fermentation on indigenous yeasts. Fine bubbles, vibrant fruitiness and great freshness, in a 100% natural approach.

Crémant Brut Nature: Another sparkling version from the estate, this brut nature Crémant offers a delicate effervescence, a taut and straight palate, with no dosage and no added sulfur. A handcrafted bubble of great purity.

Hommage à Frank Z: A confidential cuvée created as a tribute to musician Frank Zappa, in the free and creative spirit that is dear to Valentin Morel. A singular wine reflecting the winemaker's stylistic audacity.

Hommage à la Canaille: A cuvée with a mischievous and spirited character, in the image of the estate's assertive style. A natural wine full of character, freshness and personality, true to the free and joyful philosophy of the house.