Exceptional Quality from Jura's Domaine de la Touraize

Domaine de la Touraize has an incredibly rich history in the Jura wine region. Dating all the way back to 1704, the estate is family owned and has been passed down through eight generations since.

Today the estate is run by Andre-Jean and Heleana Morin. Andre-Jean joined his father in the vineyards in 1985, also joining the Arbois wine cooperative as well. He eventually decided to follow his passion for organic farming and vineyard to bottle winemaking, and in 2011 build his own VAT room with a cellar to follow in 2014. Heleana also joined him shortly after in the wine growing duties at the estate. 

Arbois is a town rich with tradition, and one of the oldest to occur happens on the first Sunday in September each year. This is the BIOU. Designated winegrowers from Arbois offer an early pick of the best grapes from the upcoming harvest to be carried in large bunch, weighing up to 90kg, through the town of Arbois to the church where it is then blessed and hung as a tribute to Saint Just, patron saint of the parish. 

Andre-Jean is one of the four vignerons given the honour to carry the BIOU through the town to the church, a position which was passed down from his grandfather Marius, to his father Michel, and onto him. 

All the wines at Domaine de la Touraize are farmed and made organically (they now have certification from 2019 onwards) and are in conversion to full biodynamics as well. They are passionate about biodiversity and sustainability in the vineyard, and this is reflected in the wines that they grow. 

Domaine de la Touraize grow some of the most incredibly pure and unique natural wines I've ever had the pleasure of trying, and these are exceptional varietal expressions from magnificent terroir. 

To learn more about the region of Jura and it's wine styles click here

Members price - $58.45

Medium in colour, not too light, not too dark. Serve slightly chilled - I prefer it this way, but it's up to you. Crushed wild strawberries, orange bitters, morello cherries. No Jura funk to speak of. Quite bright and very perfumed. Hints of baking spice, but not as prominent as in previous years – maybe that comes as the wine develops. Texture quite full and juicy, nice super fine tannin structure, sweet red berry fruit, and a nice hint of bitterness to add to the complexity. Alc well balanced, and acidity medium. Good grip. Finishes with a hint of bitter orange. Fresh and smashable, but with considerable depth and complexity as far as ploussards go. Nose becomes very expressive with time, and I love the supple texture. Great to drink in it's youth. 

- Notes from Ryan Larkin

Members price - $53.95

Beautiful light colour – screams summer. Serve this cold from fridge, like a white wine. This wine does have a bit of a reduction on opening, but it does blow off. A decant is recommended, to reveal the wine's true aromas. I don't mind the reduction as the wine tastes amazing, but it might be something to consider for fussy or uneducated customers. Lots of light red fruits, but also some spice. Quite fragrant and floral, with red roses appearing over time. Very fresh in the mouth. Light, nice fine tannins, light red berries, as well as a mineral rockiness. A slight bitterness, but in balance so that it gives the wine interest, and makes it more than just glou glou. The bitterness is actually a good thing, as it keeps the sweetness of the fruit in check. Tannins are super fine on finish, giving chalky grip. Awesome.

- Notes from Ryan Larkin

 Members price - $53.95

Beautiful perfume, gentle and aromatic and very bright – subtle hints of red fruits and baking spice – it’s really quite delicate and refined. And super clean. Hints of cured meats – which will probably become more apparent as the wine ages. Silky in the mouth, strawberries, cherries, raspberries and red apples. Perfect balance, effortless to drink. Acidity is mild, and not at the forefront, but well intertwined. Some mineral action, and then a cruisy finish with soft fine tannins kicking around for a bit. Yum.

- Notes from Ryan Larkin

Members price - $58.45

Amazing golden colour. Wow! Powerful nose – clean, but with a lot going on. No funkiness, no reductiveness, just quality. So complex, a golden elixir of sorts. Clean, sea breeze, seaweed, mineral, and deep nose – dive in. Tight, yellow orchard fruits, lots of grip and tension. Mildly rich, but with beautiful acidity. Very long, with notes of honey and macadamia that coat the mouth, before the acidity takes over and works it's way into every crevice in your mouth. Drives and lingers. Quite mineral on the palate too. Yum!

- Notes from Ryan Larkin