For this month of March, we're heading to a region that's full of talent and oenological curiosities: the Jura – Michel Gahier and Jean-Pascal Buronfosse. Then we're off to Chai Côtier with Julien Baudouin, who set up in the Southwest near Bayonne as a winemaker in 2023. Enjoy the tasting!
Domaine Michel Gahier in Montigny-les-Arsures
Michel Gahier is one of those winemakers who introduces you to a confidential world, that of great natural winemakers. In his stronghold of Montigny-les-Arsures, renowned for being the capital of Trousseau, a grape variety that is perhaps the most fascinating in the Jura, as it is oxymoronic, with a clear color, a fine but assertive tannic structure, a universe of red fruits, spices, emboldened by a characteristic wild touch. Michel vinifies his grapes by plot, to express the soils but also the plant material of older or younger vines (the vines of Les Grands Vergers are around 80 years old). The formula is the same for white wines. Michel vinifies almost exclusively Chardonnay by plot, under veil or not, but always in search of a burst of freshness and complexity. Beware, these are very confidential wines.
Domaine Buronfosse in Rotalier
Another confidential estate in this Jura region, which boasts many talented winemakers. The Domaine Buronfosse was founded in the early 2000s in the Rotalier valley, famous for hosting the Ganevat estate. After a first life far from the winemaking world, the Buronfosse family decided to fully embrace this peasant lifestyle, where life is made of periodicity, natural happiness, but also setbacks. Initially supported by Jean-François Ganevat and Julien Labet, Jean-Pascal Buronfosse now vinifies Chardonnay, Savagnin, Poulsard, Pinot Noir, and Trousseau by plot and with the most natural approach possible. All the cuvées will thus convey the message of vibrant terroirs, always imbued with overflowing minerality. Discover these deep wines with a strong identity. Jurare!!
Le Chai Côtier, a Basque Adventure
A new story of career change, with Julien Baudouin, who after working in communication and marketing, decided to turn to a passionate profession that truly connects people, wine. This is how he set up his "Chai" (winery) in Lahonce, very close to Bayonne. Through his négociant business, sourced from winemakers sensitive to soil preservation and the true taste of grapes (Vincent L'Amouller from Château Fredignac, Simon Ribert from Strateus and Chante Alouette in Charente), Julien wants to convey free and engaging wines, for genuine moments of sharing. Chai Côtier is nearby and it's great!
