Pentacrines

History of the domaine des Pentacrines

The history of the domaine des Pentacrines begins with an exceptional journey. Jean-Marie Grandvaux studied wine in Beaune, the capital of Burgundy, then worked successively in Beaujolais, in Mâcon and even in Canada, accumulating a rich and varied experience. For six years, he honed his skills at the prestigious Domaine Trapet in Gevrey-Chambertin, one of the absolute references of biodynamic Burgundy, where he held the position of Director of Field Operations. This rigorous training, alongside one of the greatest masters of Burgundian biodynamics, instilled in him an absolute level of exigence in vineyard management and precision in winemaking.

In 2022, accompanied by his wife Clarisse Nunez, Jean-Marie took the plunge: the couple acquired an old farmhouse in Pannessières, in the southern Jura, near Château-Chalon, along with a truly unique terroir. While exploring these soils, they discovered an exceptional fossil richness: pentacrines, star-shaped fossil segments with five branches, derived from the stems of crinoids (sea lilies) that populated the warm seas of the Jurassic period nearly 200 million years ago. The name of the domaine then became self-evident. Noticed from its very first vintages by specialist guides (the book Jura Wine - Ten Years After by Wink Lorch already dedicates a section to the domaine), the domaine des Pentacrines has established itself as one of the great emerging addresses in natural Jura wine, absolutely one to watch.

Terroirs and Vines of the domaine des Pentacrines

The vineyard of the domaine des Pentacrines covers 5 hectares, located in the commune of Pannessières, in the southern Jura, in immediate proximity to the prestigious terroirs of Château-Chalon. The geology of the domaine is particularly remarkable: the soils are scattered with pentacrines, fossilised starfish fossils that bear witness to the exceptional geological past of the Jura, when the region was covered by warm, shallow seas during the Jurassic period. These fossils, mingled with the marls and limestone characteristic of the region, give the domaine's wines iodine notes and a unique saline minerality, a signature that is unmistakable above all others.

The grape varieties planted bring together the emblematic varieties of the Jura: Chardonnay and Savagnin for the whites, Poulsard, Pinot Noir and Trousseau for the reds. The parcels are fragmented and each one receives particular parcel-level attention, reflecting Jean-Marie's Burgundian training. The domaine is farmed organically, with a respectful approach to the soil and to living matter inherited from the biodynamic principles practised at Trapet. Harvests are entirely manual, at full ripeness and with rigorous sorting, an essential condition for preserving the integrity of the grapes and allowing a crystalline expression of the terroir in every cuvée.

Vinifications of the domaine des Pentacrines

In the cellar, Jean-Marie Grandvaux applies a deliberately low-interventionist winemaking approach, in keeping with what he learned in biodynamic Burgundy at Trapet. Fermentations are conducted solely with the indigenous yeasts native to the grapes, with no addition of selected yeasts. No oenological inputs are used, and the use of sulphur is kept deliberately minimal, ensuring full transparency with regard to the grape and the terroir. This natural and precise philosophy immediately won over enthusiasts and wine merchants in the Jura and beyond.

For the whites, the Chardonnay and Savagnin are vinified and aged according to classic Jura practices, with regular topping up to preserve freshness or ageing sous voile depending on the cuvée. For the reds, Jean-Marie favours gentle extractions, using whole clusters or destemmed grapes depending on the variety, in a logic of freshness and digestibility. Ageing takes place in old barrels and vats, with a focus on respecting the fruit and the terroir. The result is a coherent and precise range with a unique iodine and mineral signature, unmistakable above all others, which places the domaine among the rising young stars of the Jura vineyard.

The cuvées of the domaine des Pentacrines

Sur le Seuil: the domaine's signature white cuvée, under AOC Côtes du Jura, made from 100% Chardonnay from the fossiliferous soils of Pannessières. Vinification with indigenous yeasts, long ageing on fine lees. Pale golden robe, expressive nose with notes of lemon zest, orchard fruits, white flowers and the characteristic iodine signature. Taut, sapid palate with a marked mineral texture, a slight astringency and a refreshing finish. A Jura Chardonnay of great purity, best drunk chilled to reveal its full precision.

Sur le Fil: another white cuvée under AOC Côtes du Jura, made from Chardonnay (or a Chardonnay/Savagnin blend depending on the vintage), in the same natural philosophy. Bright robe, mineral nose with iodine and fruity notes, taut and precise palate with beautiful acidity. Another facet of Jura white wine according to the Grandvaux-Nunez couple, with a precise and exacting signature.

Pinot Noir: a red cuvée under AOC Côtes du Jura, made from 100% Pinot Noir from the domaine's parcels. Vinified in a purely natural spirit, with no inputs and minimal added sulphites. Clear ruby robe, floral and fruity nose (cherry, raspberry, wild strawberry), fluid, pure and generous palate, with saline freshness and vibrant fruit. A Jura Pinot Noir of great lightness, focused on aromatic precision and excellent drinkability, ideal for lovers of living and authentic wines.

Poulsard: a red cuvée under AOC Côtes du Jura, made from 100% Poulsard, another emblematic grape variety of the Jura. Dark robe for a Poulsard, open and powerful nose, hyper-fruity, palate with beautiful tension, dynamic and appetite-whetting. A generous and precise cuvée with a natural signature, revealing another facet of the great Jura red grape variety under Jean-Marie's hand.

Savagnin: a white cuvée under AOC Côtes du Jura, made from 100% Savagnin, the king grape variety of the region. Depending on the vintage, it is vinified either in ouillé style (modern) or sous voile (traditional), expressing the full diversity of Jura styles. Golden robe, expressive nose with the mineral and iodine notes characteristic of the domaine, taut and deep palate with excellent ageing potential. A precise and confidential expression of Savagnin, both faithful to tradition and marked by the winemaker's personal sensibility.

Trousseau: a red cuvée under AOC Côtes du Jura, made from 100% Trousseau, another great red grape variety of the Jura. Respectful vinification, ageing in old barrels, in the same natural logic as the other cuvées of the domaine. Intense ruby robe, complex nose of red fruits (strawberry, raspberry, blackberry) with spiced nuances, structured and fresh palate with a fine texture. A distinguished cuvée that completes the mosaic of Jura grape varieties cultivated by Clarisse Nunez and Jean-Marie Grandvaux, the accomplished signature of a promising domaine.