Domaine de la Tournelle is a small, much-admired Arbois estate in the Jura, farmed organically since the late 1990s and certified in the 2000s. Founded and long run by Evelyne and the late Pascal Clairet, the domaine helped define today’s “new Jura”: meticulous vineyard work, native-yeast fermentations, minimal additions, and élevage tailored to express site and grape rather than cellar technique. Parcels lie on classic Jurassic marls and limestone around Arbois and Montigny-lès-Arsures—prime ground for Savagnin, Chardonnay, Poulsard (Ploussard) and Trousseau.
White wines are made in both topped-up (ouillé) and traditional sous voile styles. Ouillé cuvées (often labelled along the lines of “Fleur de Savagnin” or Chardonnay parcel selections) favour saline cut, citrus and orchard fruit with chalk-lined precision. Sous voile bottlings mature under a natural layer of yeast, developing walnut, curry spice and dried-citrus complexity in a dry, savoury register; in suitable years the domaine also produces Vin Jaune and small amounts of Vin de Paille. Reds are pale, perfumed and gastronomic—Poulsard for crunchy red fruit and rose; Trousseau from red marls for darker berries, spice and a fine, stony line—vinified gently to keep tannins filigree and finishes dry.
The cellar work is hands-off but exacting: whole clusters or gentle destemming as the year dictates, slow fermentations, long lees ageing, and little or no sulphur until a light touch at bottling. Oak is a tool, not a flavour—older barrels, foudres and the occasional amphora/neutral vessel are used to shape texture without masking terroir. Yields are kept modest, picking dates are set by flavour and acidity, and every cuvée is built for clarity at the table rather than sheer weight.
Stylistically the thread is purity and place. Ouillé whites show tension and mineral drive; voile-aged wines bring classic Jura savour; reds are silken and refreshing, with real complexity at modest alcohols. For drinkers searching “Domaine de la Tournelle Arbois,” expect authentic, low-intervention Jura—precise farming, quiet winemaking, and bottles that speak fluently of marl, limestone and the cool hills of the Cuisance valley.
