Nicolas Jacob

The History of Domaine Nicolas Jacob

A native of the Jura, Nicolas Jacob first explored organic vegetable growing before falling in love with wine. After earning a vocational diploma in viticulture and enology at Montmorot, he trained with some of the region’s leading figures: Laurent Macle, a master of traditional oxidative wines at Domaine Macle in Château-Chalon, and Jean-François Ganevat, an emblematic figure in Jura natural wine. These formative experiences shaped his expertise and refined his vision. In 2015, Nicolas embarked on his own venture, acquiring a modest hectare of vines in L’Étoile planted with Chardonnay, Savagnin and Pinot Noir. His first vintage, vinified in 2017, immediately revealed his talent for producing wines of rare clarity and intensity.

In 2019, the estate expanded with the acquisition of a winery in Cesancey and new plots, bringing its vineyard area to six hectares. These vines, located in prestigious terroirs such as L’Étoile, Voiteur, Augea and Rotalier, allow Nicolas to diversify his wines while remaining true to his philosophy: organic and biodynamic viticulture, natural winemaking and absolute respect for terroir. Today, Domaine Nicolas Jacob is celebrated as one of the Jura’s rising stars, and its wines, produced in limited quantities, are sought after by enthusiasts around the world.

The Terroirs and Vineyards of Domaine Nicolas Jacob

Domaine Nicolas Jacob owes its distinctive character to the exceptional terroirs of the southern Jura. The vines, planted mainly with Chardonnay and Savagnin, alongside small amounts of Poulsard, Trousseau, Pinot Noir and even Riesling, thrive on the clay-limestone and marl soils typical of the region. In L’Étoile, the Là-Haut, Là-Bas and Aux Perrières plots benefit from clay-limestone soils that give the wines vibrant minerality and unique complexity. In Voiteur, Triassic and Liassic marls bring aromatic richness and elegant structure, while the plots in Augea and Rotalier broaden the estate’s range with fruity and spicy expressions.

Nicolas Jacob tends his vines according to organic and biodynamic principles, in harmony with the lunar calendar. The soils are tilled and mowed without synthetic products to preserve biodiversity and the pure expression of the terroir. This meticulous approach, combined with a rigorous selection of plots sometimes overlooked by other producers because of their low yields, enables Nicolas to grow grapes of exceptional quality, concentrated and full of character.

Winemaking at Domaine Nicolas Jacob

Nicolas Jacob’s winemaking philosophy centers on minimal intervention, allowing the grapes and terroir to express themselves fully. Grapes are harvested by hand to ensure a rigorous selection of clusters. Fermentation takes place exclusively with native yeasts, without added sulfur or other winemaking additives. The white wines, including Chardonnay and Savagnin, are aged on their lees in demi-muids or oak barrels for at least two years, with regular topping up to prevent oxidation. This method gives the wines a velvety texture and aromatic complexity while preserving their freshness.

The reds, including Poulsard, Trousseau and Pinot Noir, undergo gentle maceration, often as whole clusters, to draw out fine tannins and fruity aromas without excess. Aged for 8 to 9 months in demi-muids or used barrels, these wines stand out for their lightness, elegance and easy-drinking character. Each wine is made plot by plot, allowing Nicolas to capture the subtle nuances of each terroir. This artisanal approach, paired with impeccable cellar hygiene, ensures wines of remarkable purity and precision.

The Wines of Domaine Nicolas Jacob

Domaine Nicolas Jacob offers a range of wines as varied as they are captivating, each reflecting a specific terroir and grape variety. Here is an overview of the wines:

Là-Haut L’Étoile (Chardonnay)

Grown on clay-limestone soils in L’Étoile, this Chardonnay is aged for 24 months on its lees in demi-muids. Mineral and complex, it reveals aromas of white fruit and flowers, with vibrant tension on the palate. Decant for immediate enjoyment or cellar for a few years.

L’Étoile Là-Bas (Chardonnay)

Also made from Chardonnay grown on clay-limestone soils, this wine ferments with native yeasts and rests on its lees in demi-muids for 24 months. Its freshness and minerality make it an ideal match for seafood or refined dishes.

Les Chazaux (Chardonnay)

A ripe, expressive Chardonnay with exotic notes, made without added sulfites. Sourced from biodynamically farmed vines, it ferments spontaneously and offers a full texture, perfect as an aperitif or with a gourmet dish.

Les Chazaux (Topped-Up Savagnin)

Aged for 22 months in barrels and regularly topped up, this Savagnin reveals mineral intensity and aromas of stone fruit. Its liveliness and depth make it an exceptional wine, best enjoyed after decanting.

Cuvée R (Riesling)

A Jura rarity, this dry, aromatic Riesling offers notes of peach, apricot and flowers, supported by lively acidity. With just six bottles produced in 2024, this unfiltered wine made without added sulfites is a true gem for enthusiasts.

Les Argales (Chardonnay and Savagnin)

Made by macerating a blend of Chardonnay and Savagnin grown on limestone soils, this wine charms with its amber color and aromas of citrus and flowers. Round and powerful, it embodies the essence of natural wine.

G.M. (Gamay)

Made without additives, this natural Gamay reveals aromas of fresh red fruit and subtle spice. Its supple texture and freshness make it an appealing wine, ideal with lighter dishes.

Au Mouiller (Trousseau)

From vines planted in 1989 on limestone and marl, this Trousseau offers aromas of ripe cherries and dark fruit, with a spicy, mineral palate. Aged for 9 months in demi-muids, it has the potential to cellar for 5 to 10 years.

Les Chazaux (Poulsard)

Made with native yeasts, this delicate Poulsard charms with notes of red fruit, flowers and spice. Light and fragrant, it is perfect served at 14–16°C after decanting.

Aux Perrières (Pinot Noir)

From vines planted in 2001 on Triassic marls in Voiteur, this Pinot Noir reveals aromas of cherry and raspberry with floral nuances. Its silky texture and fine tannins make it a versatile wine, ideal on its own or with a variety of dishes.

Au Layat (Chardonnay)

Made without added sulfites, this natural Chardonnay offers aromas of white fruit and mineral tension. Sourced from biodynamically farmed vines, it captivates with its purity and liveliness.

Le Clos (Chardonnay)

From a plot planted in 1947, this Chardonnay, aged for 22 months in regularly topped-up barrels, reveals notes of peach, apricot and hazelnut. Its velvety texture and richness make it an exceptional wine, with just six bottles produced in 2024.

GR (Gringet)

A rare wine made from the Gringet grape, vinified with precision to reveal fresh, mineral aromas. A distinctive wine that showcases the estate’s diversity.

PG (Pinot Noir and Gamay)

This blend of Pinot Noir and Gamay, fermented as whole clusters, offers fruity and spicy aromas. Aged for 9 months in used barrels, it charms with its lightness and freshness.

Domaine Nicolas Jacob is an ode to the purity and authenticity of the Jura. Produced in limited quantities, each bottle is a treasure that reflects the talent of an exceptional winemaker and the richness of the Jura’s terroirs. Perfect for natural wine enthusiasts or anyone looking to discover the Jura, these wines are available to buy at the best price on our site. Don’t miss the chance to taste these gems of the Revermont, which promise to take their place among the great wines of the Jura. Order now and let Nicolas Jacob’s world win you over!