Domaine de la Borde

History of Domaine de la Borde

Julien Mareschal, from a farming family near Dole, founded Domaine de la Borde at the age of 23, with no direct connection to viticulture. After studying agriculture in Lyon and obtaining a national oenologist's diploma in Dijon, he enriched his expertise through experiences in Burgundy and Bordeaux. In 2003, he seized the opportunity to acquire 3.5 hectares of vines in the prestigious terroir of Pupillin, marking the beginning of his viticultural adventure. Despite a difficult 2003 vintage, marked by frost and low yields, Julien persevered, driven by a passion for wine and a deep respect for the land, a legacy from his farming father. Over the years, he extended his estate to 5 hectares, incorporating additional plots and adopting biodynamic practices from 2009 onwards, formalised by an organic certification in 2012. Inspired by iconic figures such as Pierre Overnoy, Julien Mareschal has today established himself as a reference among Jura winemakers, producing wines of rare finesse and authenticity.

Terroirs and Vines of Domaine de la Borde

Le Domaine de la Borde extends over 5 hectares of vines perched between 300 and 450 metres above sea level, on the steep slopes of Pupillin. These marly soils, composed of blue clays, red Triassic marls and limestone, impart a distinctive minerality and a unique expression of the Jura terroir to the wines. The vines, ranging from 7 to 77 years old, are carefully cultivated according to the principles of organic and biodynamic farming. Julien Mareschal favours natural ground cover on every other row to regulate soil moisture, which is often saturated with water due to the hydrographic environment of the region. The non-grassed rows receive green manures, such as legumes, which aerate the soil and promote microbial life. No chemical weeding is used, and treatments are limited to biodynamic preparations, such as horn manure and horn silica, applied since 2012. The emblematic Jura grape varieties — Ploussard, Trousseau, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Savagnin — thrive on these plots, each revealing the typicity of its exposure and soil. This respectful approach guarantees quality grapes, harvested by hand at perfect ripeness, for wines that faithfully reflect their terroir.

Winemaking at Domaine de la Borde

At Domaine de la Borde, winemaking is a celebration of the natural and the precise. Julien Mareschal adopts a minimalist approach, allowing the terroir to express itself fully. The harvests, exclusively manual, allow for rigorous sorting of the bunches in the vineyard and in the cellar, guaranteeing optimal quality. Fermentations rely on indigenous yeasts, capturing the essence of the grape and the terroir without artifice. The use of sulphur is reduced to a minimum, often limited to homeopathic doses (1 to 2 g/hL) according to the needs of the vintage, to preserve the vibrancy of the wines. The ageing, carried out in foudres, demi-muids or sandstone jars, is designed to accompany the wine without dominating it. The large wooden vessels favour gentle micro-oxygenation, while the mid-fire toasting avoids toasty notes, leaving room for the purity of the fruit and the minerality of the soil. Certain wines, such as the Vin Jaune or the Savagnin Les Écrins, benefit from long ageing under veil or without topping up, developing a unique complexity. This natural winemaking philosophy produces wines that are frank, vibrant and faithful to the identity of the Jura.

The cuvées of Domaine de la Borde

Le Domaine de la Borde offers a range of cuvées that celebrate the diversity and richness of the Jura. Here is a detailed overview of its emblematic wines, for lovers of natural wines.

La Marcette (Chardonnay)

From Chardonnay vines grown on red marls, La Marcette is vinified and aged for 12 months in foudres and sandstone jars. This wine seduces with its aromas of white peach, pip fruits and a spiced touch. On the palate, its saline minerality is accompanied by notes of white fruits and a delicate pastry touch, offering a fresh and harmonious finish. Perfect to accompany fish or light dishes.

Trousseau Sous La Roche

This Trousseau, grown on clay-limestone soils at 350 metres above sea level, embodies Jura elegance. Vinified by semi-carbonic maceration over 20 days with 75% whole bunches, it is aged for 10 to 12 months in used barrels. It reveals floral aromas, notes of strawberry and a peppery touch, with a lush and fluid palate supported by admirable freshness. An ideal wine for charcuterie or spiced dishes.

Ploussard Côte De Feule

This Ploussard, from red marls at 350 metres above sea level, is a model of lightness and vivacity. Carefully aged, it offers bright aromas of cherry and strawberry, lifted by spiced nuances. Its delicate structure makes it a perfect companion for aged cheeses or simple dishes. Vinified with 80% destemmed grapes and without sulphur at bottling, this wine is a true Jura "canon".

Côte De Caillot (Chardonnay)

This Chardonnay, grown on a warm limestone terroir of Pupillin, reveals great minerality and vibrant tension. Aged in foudres and jars, it offers notes of yellow fruits and a subtle buttery touch, with a persistent finish. This exceptional wine pairs beautifully with gastronomic dishes, such as roasted poultry.

Foudre À Canon (Savagnin)

This ouillé Savagnin, from grey and blue Lias marls, is aged for 24 months in foudres and jars. It seduces with its smoky aromas of flint and mandarin peel, with a vibrant palate of saline nuances. A complex wine, perfect for lovers of structured whites.

Savagnin Les Écrins

This Savagnin, aged for 24 months in a foudre then 36 months without topping up, is a masterpiece of complexity. Its aromas of dried fruits and hazelnut combine with remarkable tension and a long finish. Ideal with creamed poultry with morels, it also promises fine ageing potential.

Vin Jaune 2016 (Savagnin)

This Vin Jaune, from blue schistose clays, is aged for 82 months without topping up. Its bouquet of exotic citrus, almond and walnut shell precedes a rich, textured and vibrant palate. An exceptional wine for great occasions.

Terre du Lias (Chardonnay)

This Chardonnay, grown on blue Lias marls at 450 metres above sea level, offers a chalky, citrusy finesse. Its saline minerality and roundness make it a gastronomic wine, perfect with fish dishes or spring vegetables.

Pinostradamus (Pinot Noir)

This Pinot Noir, from clay-limestone soils at 500 metres above sea level, is vinified by semi-carbonic maceration and aged for 10 months in barrels. Its aromas of blackcurrant, raspberry and cherry, lifted by a smoky touch, make it a delicate and rare wine.

Plous'saperlipopette (Ploussard)

This Ploussard, vinified without sulphur at bottling, is a wine of immediate pleasure. With 80% destemmed grapes, it offers lush aromas of red fruits and exceptional drinkability. A rare and sought-after cuvée.

Macvin Blanc

This blend of Savagnin must and marc brandy, aged for 24 months in barrels, offers a perfect balance between fruit and sweetness. Ideal as a dessert wine, this liqueur wine is a curiosity of the Jura.

Le Domaine de la Borde, led by Julien Mareschal, is a gem of the Jura that combines tradition, passion and respect for nature. Its wines, produced using biodynamic practices and natural winemaking, capture the soul of the marly terroirs of Pupillin with rare precision and elegance. Available to purchase at the best price, these exceptional wines are an invitation to discover authentic Jura. Order now and let yourself be swept away by the magic of Julien Mareschal's wines!