Marnes Blanches, Maceration En Quatre Vis 2022

Chardonnay and Savagnin

Jura, France

This is Géraud and Pauline’s skin fermented wine. It is made from Chardonnay (80%) and Savagnin (20%) planted on Marnes du Lias. The grapes were fermented as whole clusters for fifteen days before being pressed into neutral barrel for a twenty-two-month élevage.

Natives of the Jura, but from farming rather than winemaking backgrounds, Géraud and Pauline Fromont began this Domaine when they were in their mid-20s, and are ambitious, talented winemakers. The Marnes Blanches vineyards are divided between three towns: Cesancey, Vincelles, and Ste-Agnès. The Fromonts acquired their Cesancey vineyards first, and those feature the “white marl” soil that gives the Domaine its name, with topsoil of limestone. The vineyards in Ste-Agnès and Vincelles are primarily red marl, with fossilized limestone. With vines up to 100 years old and interesting local strains such as Melon-Queue-Rouge and Savagnin Muscaté, the Fromonts have excellent material to work with in the cellar. They began farming organically immediately upon beginning the Domaine in 2006 and are now Ecocert certified, with plowing between rows.