Domaine du Pélican

Guillaume d'Angerville, manager of the Volnay estate Marquis d'Angerville, established Domaine du Pélican in 2012. His interest in the Jura began after tasting an Arbois wine blind at a restaurant in Paris, which he initially mistook for a high-quality Burgundy. This experience prompted a search for suitable land in the region that began in 2008. He eventually acquired an initial five hectares of vineyards from Jean-Marc Brignot. The name of the domaine refers to the pelican found on the crest of the town of Arbois. The estate grew significantly in 2014 when it took over the vineyards of Jacques Puffeney, a prominent Jura producer who was retiring.

The domaine manages approximately 15 hectares of vines within the Arbois appellation, with the cellar operations based in Montigny-les-Arsures. These holdings include specific parcels such as En Barbi, Grand Curoulet, and Clos de la Sorbine. The terroir is defined by the various marl and limestone clay soils that characterize the Jura landscape. Farming is strictly biodynamic, a practice Guillaume d'Angerville also uses at his Burgundy property. In the cellar, the team prioritizes a topped-up or ouillé style for the white wines. This method involves keeping barrels full to prevent the development of a yeast film, which results in wines that emphasize fruit purity and site specificity rather than the traditional oxidative notes of the region. François Duvivier oversees the winemaking and vineyard management.

Production focuses on the traditional grapes of the Jura, including Savagnin, Chardonnay, Poulsard, Trousseau, and Pinot Noir. Their Savagnin Ouillé and the Chardonnay are recognized for their linear structure and mineral focus. The estate also produces Trois Cépages, a red blend that incorporates Pinot Noir, Trousseau, and Poulsard, as well as single-parcel reds like the Trousseau from the Grand Curoulet vineyard. While most white wines are made in the non-oxidative style, the domaine also produces a small amount of Vin Jaune according to local regulations. Despite its relatively short history, the property has gained a reputation for applying technical precision to local varieties. It serves as an example of how Burgundian winemaking techniques can be integrated into the Jura wine culture.