Pentacrines

History of Domaine des Pentacrines

The story of Domaine des Pentacrines begins with an exceptional career path. 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 exigency 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 terroir unique in its kind. 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 nearly 200 million years ago. The name of the estate thus imposed itself naturally. Noticed from its very first vintages by specialist guides (the book Jura Wine - Ten Years After by Wink Lorch already devotes a section to the estate), Domaine des Pentacrines is establishing itself as one of the great emerging addresses of natural Jura winemaking, absolutely one to follow.

Terroirs and Vines of Domaine des Pentacrines

The vineyard of Domaine des Pentacrines extends over 5 hectares, located in the commune of Pannessières, in the southern Jura, in the immediate vicinity of the prestigious terroirs of Château-Chalon. The estate's geology 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 limestones characteristic of the region, lend the estate's wines iodine notes and a unique saline minerality, a signature recognisable above all others.

The grape variety selection brings together the emblematic varieties of the Jura: Chardonnay and Savagnin for the whites, Poulsard, Pinot Noir and Trousseau for the reds. The plots are fragmented and each receives particular plot-by-plot attention, reflecting Jean-Marie's Burgundian training. The estate is managed using organic farming, with a respectful approach to the soil and living nature inherited from the biodynamic principles practised at Trapet. Harvests are entirely manual, at full ripeness and with rigorous sorting, an essential condition to preserve the integrity of the grapes and allow a crystalline expression of the terroir in each cuvée.

Winemaking at Domaine des Pentacrines

In the cellar, Jean-Marie Grandvaux applies a deliberately low-interventionist winemaking approach, in the tradition of what he learned in biodynamic Burgundy at Trapet. Fermentations are conducted exclusively 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 deliberately minimal, a pledge of transparency with respect 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 Jurassian practices, with regular topping-up to preserve freshness or ageing sous voile depending on the cuvée. For the reds, Jean-Marie favours gentle extractions, with whole bunches or destemmed grapes depending on the variety, in a logic of freshness and digestibility. Ageing takes place in old barrels and tanks, in a logic of respect for the fruit and the terroir. The result is a coherent and precise range with a unique iodine and mineral signature, recognisable above all others, which places the estate among the rising young stars of the Jurassian vineyard.

The Cuvées of Domaine des Pentacrines

Sur le Seuil: the estate's signature white cuvée, in AOC Côtes du Jura, crafted from 100% Chardonnay sourced 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 a characteristic iodine signature. Taut and sapid palate with a pronounced mineral structure, a slight astringency and a refreshing finish. A Jurassian Chardonnay of great purity, to be drunk cool to reveal all its precision.

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

Pinot Noir: red cuvée in AOC Côtes du Jura, crafted from 100% Pinot Noir sourced from the estate's plots. Vinification in the purest natural spirit, without inputs or sulphites added to a minimum. Light ruby robe, floral and fruity nose (cherry, raspberry, wild strawberry), fluid, pure and indulgent palate, with saline freshness and vibrant fruit. A Jurassian Pinot Noir all in lightness, focused on aromatic precision and superb drinkability, ideal for lovers of lively and authentic wines.

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

Savagnin: white cuvée in AOC Côtes du Jura, crafted from 100% Savagnin, the king grape variety of the region. Depending on the vintage, vinified in ouillé style (modern) or sous voile (traditional), it expresses all the diversity of Jurassian styles. Golden robe, expressive nose with the mineral and iodine notes characteristic of the estate, taut and deep palate with great ageing potential. A precise and rare expression of Savagnin, both faithful to tradition and marked by the winemaker's sensibility.

Trousseau: red cuvée in AOC Côtes du Jura, crafted 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 estate. Intense ruby robe, complex nose of red fruits (strawberry, raspberry, blackberry) with spiced nuances, structured and fresh palate with a fine tannic structure. A thoroughbred cuvée that completes the mosaic of Jurassian grape varieties cultivated by Clarisse Nunez and Jean-Marie Grandvaux, the accomplished signature of a promising estate.