Domaine des Marnes Blanches Vin de Paille 2014 (375ml)

Location: France, Jura

Winemaker: Geraud & Pauline Fromont

Grapes: Savagnin, Chardonnay, Poulsard

Soil: clay, limestone, marl

Winemaking: early harvested grapes, left to dry on straw mats; gently pressed into old barrel. Minimum 3 years aging, with 18 months in wood

Vin de Paille: translates to ‘straw wine’; the ‘paille’ refers to the ancient method of drying the grapes in boxes lined with straw. Dried cherries and figs, stewed prunes, and a touch of brininess yield an after-dinner wine of exceptional quality and unique character.

From us at M&L: Pauline and Geraud Fromont were born and raised in Sud Revermont, the Jura’s southern hive of ambitious, talented winemakers. Less recognizable than the iconic hillside of Arbois, the Sud Revermont is no less productive (the last few years have seen catastrophic losses throughout the Jura region, so “productive” - always a relative term - is, in this case, still minimal).

Pauline and Geraud’s background was in sustenance farming, but they became enthralled by winemaking in their twenties and started the domaine together in 2006. The spirit of the local master Ganevat, their most famous neighbor, informs the wine styles - everything from clean, textural whites, to classic oxidative wines, to fruit-driven light reds, Cremant and sweet wines - however Domaine des Marnes Blanches is a singular estate.

Their fresh whites are some of the most beguiling in the shop: they bear signatures of spring water, fenugreek and patisserie spice along with vibrant fruits of a melon-meets-cucumber subtlety.

The varietal reds manage to be text book ideal and bracingly unique at the same time - the Poulsard bursts with brambly fruit sprinkled with dried citrus and a potpourri of desiccated violets, and the Trousseau (which Geraud maintains is best suited to the domaine’s namesake while marl soils) is both racy and rusty with an appetizing texture and minerality.

The vin de paille is long and perfectly balanced between the deep-cave aromas and salty/sweet taste. It’s crazy good on its own but with some Compte or other hard cheese it is miraculous.

We are so excited to have these back in the shop and to send them home with you!