The Sainte Agnès and Vincelles islets are characterised by the presence of fossilised limestone known as "gryphées", cousins of the oyster found in large quantities in the soil, which is a mixture of red marl and limestone gravel from the Triassic period. The Marnes Blanches estate is certified organic, with a choice of grass cover and soil tillage, as well as minimal intervention during vinification. The vines are on average over 45 years old, and some are very old, approaching 100 years! Half of the red grape varieties grown in the Jura are Poulsard, with Trousseau (around 35%) and Pinot Noir making up the rest. Among the white grape varieties grown in the Jura, Chardonnay accounts for two-thirds and Savagnin for one-third. Older varieties such as Melon Queue Rouge and Savagnin Muscaté are also grown in minority. As for the wines, the Côtes du Jura Poulsard cuvée from the Marnes Blanches estate is produced from vines planted in marl soils, vinified in whole bunches with low extraction, followed by 10 months' ageing in barrels. Light-coloured, it has a superb nose and a fruity, well-crafted palate, with liveliness, precision and a structure based on finesse. The Côtes du Jura Trousseau from Domaine des Marnes Blanches is very rich on the palate, with lovely floral aromas supported by fine spicy notes and discreet tannins. A fine wine, full of delicacy and nuance. The En Jensillard muscaté Savagnin cuvée from the Marnes Blanches estate is made from 65-year-old vines rooted in white lias marl at an altitude of 300 metres. Made from 100% Savagnin muscaté grapes, an old variety from the region that you don't come across very often any more, this cuvée remains true to its reputation in its exotic, musky notes, quite similar to those of a great Alsace Gewürztraminer, but with the sharp, clean and precise edge of a great Savagnin. Intense, seductive floral notes are combined with tropical fruit aromas. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied and delicious, with a taut, saline finish. Finally, the Cuvée de Vin Jaune from Domaine des Marnes Blanches is a superb golden yellow colour, with a captivating nose of intense aromas of fresh walnuts, curry, almonds and spices. The palate is soft, caressing and oxidative, with lovely fruity notes and a saline finish. This wine is a worthy accompaniment to coq au vin jaune et morilles, or even more simply a 36-month Comté cheese. This type of wine (unoaked) can be kept for over 20 years...
Other Jura estates include Jean François Ganevat, domaine du Pélican, Bénédicte et Stéphane Tissot, Frédéric Lornet and Jean Bourdy. Vins & Millésimes offers you the chance to buy the best bottles of wine and grands crus online. All our wines are in stock and available for fast delivery! Discover the bottles and Magnums of Domaine des Marnes Blanches available for purchase.