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, without a direct connection to viticulture. After studying agriculture in Lyon and obtaining a national oenology 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 winemaking 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 farmer father. Over the years, he expanded his estate to 5 hectares, incorporating additional parcels and adopting biodynamic practices from 2009, formalized by organic certification in 2012. Inspired by emblematic figures such as Pierre Overnoy, Julien Mareschal has established himself today as a reference among Jura winemakers, producing wines of rare finesse and authenticity.

Terroirs and Vineyards of Domaine de la Borde

Domaine de la Borde extends over 5 hectares of vines perched between 300 and 450 meters altitude, on the steep slopes of Pupillin. These marly soils, composed of blue clays, red Triassic marls and limestones, give the wines a distinctive minerality and a unique expression of the Jura terroir. The vines, aged 7 to 77 years, are carefully cultivated according to the principles of organic and biodynamic agriculture. Julien Mareschal favors natural grassing on every other row to regulate soil moisture, often waterlogged due to the region's hydrographic environment. The non-grassed rows host 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 – flourish on these parcels, each revealing the typicity of its exposure and soil. This respectful approach guarantees quality grapes, manually harvested at perfect maturity, 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 rigorous sorting of clusters in the vineyards and in the cellar, guaranteeing optimal quality. Fermentations rely on indigenous yeasts, capturing the essence of the grape and terroir without artifice. The use of sulfur is reduced to a minimum, often limited to homeopathic doses (1 to 2 g/hL) according to the vintage's needs, to preserve the liveliness of the wines. The aging, carried out in foudres, demi-muids or stoneware jars, is designed to accompany the wine without dominating it. Large wooden containers promote gentle micro-oxygenation, while core toasting avoids toasted notes, giving way to the purity of the fruit and the minerality of the soil. Certain wines, such as Vin Jaune or Savagnin Les Écrins, benefit from long aging under veil or without topping up, developing unique complexity. This natural winemaking philosophy produces frank, vibrant wines that are faithful to the Jura identity.

The cuvées of Domaine de la Borde

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 natural wine enthusiasts.

La Marcette (Chardonnay)

From Chardonnay vines grown on red marls, La Marcette is vinified and aged 12 months in foudres and stoneware jars. This wine seduces with its aromas of white peach, pome fruits and a spicy touch. On the palate, its saline minerality is accompanied by notes of white fruits and a subtle 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 meters altitude, embodies the elegance of the Jura. Vinified using semi-carbonic maceration for 20 days with 75% whole clusters, it is aged 10 to 12 months in used barrels. It reveals floral aromas, notes of strawberry and a peppery touch, with a delicious and fluid palate, supported by admirable freshness. An ideal wine for charcuterie or spicy dishes.

Ploussard Côte De Feule

This Ploussard, from red marls at 350 meters altitude, is a model of lightness and vivacity. Carefully aged, it offers brilliant aromas of cherry and strawberry, enhanced with spicy nuances. Its delicate structure makes it a perfect companion for aged cheeses or simple dishes. Vinified with 80% destemmed grapes and without sulfur 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 accompanies gastronomic dishes wonderfully, such as roasted poultry.

Foudre À Canon (Savagnin)

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

Savagnin Les Écrins

This Savagnin, aged 24 months in 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 poultry in a creamy morel sauce, it also promises great aging potential.

Vin Jaune 2016 (Savagnin)

This Vin Jaune, from schistose blue clays, is aged 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 Lias marls at 450 meters altitude, offers a chalky and citrusy finesse. Its saline minerality and roundness make it a gastronomic wine, perfect for fish dishes or spring vegetables.

Pinostradamus (Pinot Noir)

This Pinot Noir, from clay-limestone soils at 500 meters altitude, is vinified using semi-carbonic maceration and aged 10 months in barrels. Its aromas of blackcurrant, raspberry and cherry, enhanced with a smoky touch, make it a delicate and rare wine.

Plous'saperlipopette (Ploussard)

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

Macvin Blanc

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

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 Pupillin's marly terroirs with rare precision and elegance. Available for purchase at the best price, these exceptional wines are an invitation to discover the authentic Jura. Order now and let yourself be carried away by the magic of Julien Mareschal's wines!