Domaine de la Borde

History of Domaine de la Borde

Julien Mareschal, from a farming family near Dole, founded Domaine de la Borde at age 23 despite having no direct ties to winemaking. After studying agriculture in Lyon and earning a national enology diploma in Dijon, he developed his expertise through experience in Burgundy and Bordeaux. In 2003, he seized the opportunity to acquire 3.5 hectares of vines in the prestigious Pupillin terroir, marking the start of his winemaking journey. 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 inherited from his farmer father. Over the years, he expanded the estate to 5 hectares, adding parcels and adopting biodynamic practices in 2009, followed by organic certification in 2012. Inspired by leading figures such as Pierre Overnoy, Julien Mareschal is now a respected name among Jura winemakers, producing wines of rare finesse and authenticity.

The terroirs and vineyards of Domaine de la Borde

Domaine de la Borde covers 5 hectares of vines perched between 300 and 450 meters above sea level on the steep hillsides of Pupillin. These marly soils, composed of blue clays, red Triassic marl and limestone, give the wines distinctive minerality and a unique expression of Jura terroir. The vines, aged between 7 and 77 years, are carefully cultivated according to organic and biodynamic principles. Julien Mareschal favors natural ground cover in every other row to regulate soil moisture, which is often high because of the region’s waterways. The rows without ground cover are planted with cover crops such as legumes, which aerate the soil and encourage microbial life. No chemical weedkillers are used, and treatments are limited to biodynamic preparations, including horn manure and horn silica, applied since 2012. The Jura’s signature grape varieties—Ploussard, Trousseau, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Savagnin—thrive in these parcels, each revealing the character of its aspect and soil. This careful approach ensures quality grapes, harvested by hand at optimal ripeness, for wines that faithfully reflect their terroir.

Winemaking at Domaine de la Borde

At Domaine de la Borde, winemaking celebrates nature and precision. Julien Mareschal takes a minimalist approach, allowing the terroir to express itself fully. Harvesting is exclusively by hand, enabling rigorous sorting of the bunches in the vineyard and cellar to ensure optimal quality. Fermentations rely on native yeasts, capturing the essence of the grapes and terroir without artifice. Sulfur use is kept to a minimum, often limited to tiny doses (1 to 2 g/hL) according to the needs of the vintage, to preserve the wines’ vibrancy. Aging in large oak casks, demi-muids or stoneware jars is designed to support the wine without overpowering it. The large wooden vessels encourage gentle micro-oxygenation, while deep-toasted barrels avoid overt toasted notes, making room for pure fruit and the soil’s minerality. Some wines, such as Vin Jaune and Savagnin Les Écrins, undergo lengthy aging under a film of yeast or without topping up, developing unique complexity. This natural winemaking philosophy produces honest, vibrant wines true to their Jura identity.

The cuvées of Domaine de la Borde

Domaine de la Borde offers a range of cuvées celebrating the Jura’s diversity and richness. Here is a detailed look at its signature wines for lovers of natural wine.

La Marcette (Chardonnay)

Made from Chardonnay vines grown on red marl, La Marcette is fermented and aged for 12 months in large oak casks and stoneware jars. This wine captivates with aromas of white peach, orchard fruit and a spicy touch. On the palate, saline minerality accompanies notes of white fruit and a hint of pastry, leading to a fresh, harmonious finish. Perfect with fish or light dishes.

Trousseau Sous La Roche

This Trousseau, grown on clay-limestone soils at an altitude of 350 meters, embodies Jura elegance. Made using a 20-day semi-carbonic maceration with 75% whole bunches, it is aged for 10 to 12 months in used barrels. It reveals floral aromas, strawberry notes and a peppery touch, with a generous, fluid palate supported by admirable freshness. An ideal wine with charcuterie or spicy dishes.

Ploussard Côte De Feule

This Ploussard, from red marl at an altitude of 350 meters, is a model of lightness and vibrancy. Carefully aged, it offers bright cherry and strawberry aromas with spicy nuances. Its delicate structure makes it a perfect match for aged cheeses or simple dishes. Made with 80% destemmed grapes and no sulfur added at bottling, this wine is a true Jura “little gem.”

Côte De Caillot (Chardonnay)

This Chardonnay, grown on a warm limestone terroir in Pupillin, reveals pronounced minerality and vibrant tension. Aged in large oak casks and jars, it offers notes of yellow fruit and a subtle buttery touch, with a lingering finish. This exceptional wine pairs beautifully with fine dishes such as roast poultry.

Foudre À Canon (Savagnin)

This topped-up Savagnin, from gray and blue Liassic marl, is aged for 24 months in large oak casks and jars. It captivates with smoky aromas of flint and mandarin peel, and a vibrant palate with saline nuances. A complex wine, perfect for lovers of structured whites.

Savagnin Les Écrins

This Savagnin, aged for 24 months in a large oak cask followed by 36 months without topping up, is a masterpiece of complexity. Its aromas of dried fruit and hazelnut combine with remarkable tension and a long finish. Ideal with creamy morel chicken, it also promises excellent aging potential.

Vin Jaune 2016 (Savagnin)

This Vin Jaune, made from schistose blue clay soils, 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 special occasions.

Terre du Lias (Chardonnay)

This Chardonnay, grown on blue Liassic marl at an altitude of 450 meters, offers chalky, citrusy finesse. Its saline minerality and roundness make it a food-friendly wine, perfect with fish dishes or spring vegetables.

Pinostradamus (Pinot Noir)

This Pinot Noir, from clay-limestone soils at an altitude of 500 meters, is made using 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, bottled without added sulfur, is a wine for immediate enjoyment. Made with 80% destemmed grapes, it offers inviting red-fruit aromas and exceptional drinkability. A rare and sought-after cuvée.

White Macvin

This blend of Savagnin must and grape-marc brandy, aged 24 months in barrels, offers a balance of fruit and sweetness. Ideal with dessert, this fortified wine is a Jura curiosity.

Domaine de la Borde, run by Julien Mareschal, is a Jura gem that combines tradition, passion and respect for nature. Its wines, made using biodynamic practices and natural winemaking, capture the soul of Pupillin’s marl terroirs with rare precision and elegance. Available to buy at the best price, these exceptional wines invite you to discover the authentic Jura. Order now and let the magic of Julien Mareschal’s wines sweep you away!