Your Jura Reds are waiting for you! Having arrived in December, we have now let them fully settle and are tasting absolutely delicious so I cannot hold them back any longer. This is the perfect opportunity to dive into the range by Domaine de Saint-Pierre with 8 different red cuvees ready for you to enjoy.
From Ploussard and Gamay down to Trousseau and Pinot Noir, all the red grapes of the region are showcased in Fabrice Dodane's collection for you today. With new vintages of the Trousseau, Petit Curoulet, and Saint-Pierre cuvees and the return of the Cote de Jura "Gaudrettes" the spread is phenomenal so let me walk you through the vineyards.
From the Pinot Noir vines comes two cuvees: Cote de Jura "Gaudrettes" and Arbois Rouge "Saint Pierre". As a classic Burgundy varietal it is only fitting that it's neighbouring region of Jura has prominent plantings of it as well. Yet unlike the traditional Burgundies, these two cuvees are fruity and lighter interpretations of the Pinot Noir varietal with intriguing elegance unlike any others you may have tasted before.
Moving into Ploussard territory, the Arbois Red "Les Corvees" is a combination of Pinot Noir and Ploussard, with the Arbois Rouge "Petit Curoulet" being 100% Ploussard. As a native grape to Jura, this is an ancient varietal with thin skin and a pale tint allowing it to stand out among other varietals. With a powerful body yet soft structure, these wines enjoy a delicate palate with a variety of red fruits coming forth and a touch of spice over the long finish.
Finally we come to the Arbois Rouge "Trousseau", made from the fellow native varietal of the region in a much darker-skinned casing. Don't let the dark tone fool you though, the tannins remain extremely delicate with nice light spices running through the glass. A simple and fun interpretation of the varietal that only Fabrice Dodane can spin into something tremendous. Not a wine to miss out on!
After mastering his core range, Fabrice's true testament to his passion is his introduction of the négoce label Dos D'Chat. Five years ago, Fabrice took a moment to realise he had more energy to pour into discovering new wines and by not limiting himself to what vineyards he owns access to more grape varietals opened up. Today he has 4 impressive wines in the range, with a cameo by the Ploussard for the 2023 vintage due to damaged crops being supplemented by purchased grapes. If you are yet to taste a Jura version of Gamay or Riesling then this is your opportunity, Fabrice Dodane spins magic with these grapes and presents an exciting interpretation.
Do not delay in securing a few of these brilliant wines at extraordinary value.
Tasting Notes
FABRICE DODANE - ARBOIS ROUGE "PLOUSSARD" 2023
Due to the difficult year in terms of harvest with small yet excellent quality of grapes, Fabrice decided to get source additional Ploussard grapes from his friends in Arbois to supplement his own and produce more bottles of his Ploussard; therefore in 2023 this wine is labelled under his negoce range, but there is no doubt that the Ploussard inside the bottle holds the inevitable indelible and recognisable signature of Fabrice, who always transforms it into a juice of extreme elegance, finesse and incredible quality! 100% Ploussard.
FABRICE DODANE - VDF ROUGE ‘TOUT FACILE’ 2021 / 2023
Very light fire red, on the nose a cocktail of raspberries, red currants and wild strawberries, nuances of blackberry leaves and pine cones, literally smells of acidity and minerality. On the palate an airy texture, wiry body supported by a strong acidity, harmoniously supported by tannin, red berries again, subtle flint, the extremely juicy drinking flow ensures great potential for fun. Syrah, Grenache, Trousseau, Chardonnay.
FABRICE DODANE - VDF ROUGE ‘G.G’
The finesse and delicacy is immediately noticeable, light fruity and delicate, with soft berry fruit and filigree spice, the GG is downright dancing and animating, crystal clear and vibrant, no kitsch, pure juiciness and berry delight. Light-footed and juicy on the palate, the acidity brings ingenious freshness, the tannin is subtle and light berry fruit also dominates on the palate. 100% Gamay from the Beaujolais region.
FABRICE DODANE - ARBOIS BLANC ‘BODINES’ 2022
On the nose, Gold Parma apple, Galia melon, also some quince, a vegetal touch of cooked fennel and dark spice. On the palate, a fine texture with good natural wine grip, skilful, delicate reduction and Phenolic from oxidative aging, with bold acidity and robust minerality, slightly tart apple peel aroma in the aftertaste. A full-bodied and profound Chardonnay, which could also bear the domaine's label in terms of quality. 100% Chardonnay.
FABRICE DODANE - VDF RIESLING 'RTT' 2021
The nose begins smoky and rather restrained, almost delicate and reductive, but with aeration, an intense fruit emerges, sweet apricot and some blossom honey, plus mint, lychee and lime zest. On the palate with a juicy start, the acidity is crisp and a compact structure gives the Riesling a core, then there is also some charm, warm spiciness, some pepper, caraway and aniseed, the aroma lingers intensely and the intense body gives it length. 100% Riesling sourced from Alsace.
SAINT-PIERRE - ARBOIS ROUGE "LES CORVEES" 2023
The nose has an unmatched purity of red fruits backed up by lovely spicy notes for an overall delicate and complex wine. The bouquet opens up on pristine red fruit, strawberry, some spices and wet forest floor. It's profound, vibrant with a freshness that delights. The palate is delicate, with more spices and petite red fruits for a long finish. The finish is very clean and vibrant with silky tannins all the way. A brilliant red from Jura! Ploussard & Pinot Noir.
SAINT-PIERRE - COTE DE JURA "GAUDRETTES" 2022
The Cotes du Jura Rouge Les Gaudrettes by Domaine de Saint Pierre is a red wine that offers fruity and floral notes on the nose, while on the palate it is clean, intriguing, sharp with elegance and precision. 100% Pinot Noir.
SAINT-PIERRE - ARBOIS ROUGE "TROUSSEAU" 2022 / 2023
With only 10.8% vol. alcohol, it's a real flyweight and this lightness appears extremely delicate and almost a bit thin at the beginning, but with air the Trousseau develops steadily, the tannin remains extremely delicate, but a light spice and delicate berry fruit gives it more and more length, mint and cherry, almond and lemon zest. The most delicate Trousseau we have ever had in the glass, hangs as light as a feather on the tongue and is simply fun. 100% Trousseau.
SAINT-PIERRE - ARBOIS ROUGE "PETIT CUROULET" 2022
The 2022 Petit Curoulet is already very inviting and soft, with ripe fruit like plums and blueberries, plus salted almonds and chestnuts, ripe and smoky, some tobacco and malt. On the palate it has a powerful body, a soft structure fills the mouth, plus a fine tannin, something malty again, roasted plums, a subtle saltiness comes through, it remains crumbly and engaging very well. 100% Ploussard.
SAINT-PIERRE - ARBOIS ROUGE "PETIT CUROULET" 2023
It has the ripeness and rusticity of the reds but with the balance and elegance that only Fabrice Dodane and very few others are able to imprint on the wines in difficult vintages like this one. It has a contained 12.3% alcohol with the wild berry and herbal aromas of the variety, rose hip and hibiscus, watermelon and translucent red fruit. It's medium-bodied, with mellow acidity and very fine tannins but not lacking grip. 93 points, Luis Gutierrez, Wine Advocate. 100% Ploussard.
SAINT-PIERRE - ARBOIS ROUGE "SAINT-PIERRE"
Vinified from certified organic grapes, the 2023 Pinot Noir Arbois Saint-Pierre opens with alluring pomegranate, rosewater and red cherry alongside leafy nuances. Ultra-refreshing and medium-bodied at most, the 2023 is a delicious Jura red. I'd order this juicy, almost citric Pinot immediately if I spotted it on a restaurant wine list. 92 points, Nicolas Greinacher, Vinous. 100% Pinot Noir.