Domaine Labet
The Domaine Labet represents one of the most important, appreciated and sought-after wineries in the entire Jura wine region, whether for its pure and artisanal production approach or for the sublime expressive breadth of its wines. The estate was founded in 1974 in Rotalier, in the southern part of the region, by the enterprising and passionate husband and wife Josie and Alain Labet, and today the Domaine is run by their children Romain, Charline and especially Julien.
The 15 hectares of vineyards cultivated by Domaine Labet are reserved for the traditional Jura varieties Chardonnay, Savagnin, Pinot Noir, Trousseau and Poulsard, but it is the first two that constitute the varietal core of the estate. The vines are up to 90 years old and are rooted on clay-limestone soils consisting of red, white, yellow and blue marl, rich in marine fossils in certain plots. The agronomic conduction adopted by the Labet family firmly follows the dictates of organic and biodynamic agriculture, while in the cellar the approach is absolutely artisanal and non-interventionist. The oenological philosophy of the Domaine follows two currents: the traditional one underlying the so-called 'vin de voile' and the more innovative one for the area, which gives rise to the 'ouillé' wines, of which the Labets have been one of the greatest promoters. The first style, the traditional one, involves prolonged ageing in drained wooden barrels under the veil of flor yeasts, during which the liquid acquires unique and complex oxidative aromas. In contrast, the second style is reminiscent of neighbouring Burgundy, with ageing taking place in small French oak barrels kept constantly full. Regardless of the style adopted, vinification takes place in whole bunches, fermentations are always spontaneous and the barrels used are very old, so that the influence of wood never prevails over the expression of terroir.
In addition to vin de voile and vin ouillé, mostly produced from individual vineyards, Domaine Labet makes red wines, Cremant du Jura and various Macvin du Jura, traditional fortified wines made by adding aged spirit to fresh must. The bottles are then labelled with beautiful, colourful illustrations that recall thecolourful spirit of the wines they contain.
The Domaine Labet represents one of the most important, appreciated and sought-after wineries in the entire Jura wine region, whether for its pure and artisanal production approach or for the sublime expressive breadth of its wines. The estate was founded in 1974 in Rotalier, in the southern part of the region, by the enterprising and passionate husband and wife Josie and Alain Labet, and today the Domaine is run by their children Romain, Charline and especially Julien.
The 15 hectares of vineyards cultivated by Domaine Labet are reserved for the traditional Jura varieties Chardonnay, Savagnin, Pinot Noir, Trousseau and Poulsard, but it is the first two that constitute the varietal core of the estate. The vines are up to 90 years old and are rooted on clay-limestone soils consisting of red, white, yellow and blue marl, rich in marine fossils in certain plots. The agronomic conduction adopted by the Labet family firmly follows the dictates of organic and biodynamic agriculture, while in the cellar the approach is absolutely artisanal and non-interventionist. The oenological philosophy of the Domaine follows two currents: the traditional one underlying the so-called 'vin de voile' and the more innovative one for the area, which gives rise to the 'ouillé' wines, of which the Labets have been one of the greatest promoters. The first style, the traditional one, involves prolonged ageing in drained wooden barrels under the veil of flor yeasts, during which the liquid acquires unique and complex oxidative aromas. In contrast, the second style is reminiscent of neighbouring Burgundy, with ageing taking place in small French oak barrels kept constantly full. Regardless of the style adopted, vinification takes place in whole bunches, fermentations are always spontaneous and the barrels used are very old, so that the influence of wood never prevails over the expression of terroir.
In addition to vin de voile and vin ouillé, mostly produced from individual vineyards, Domaine Labet makes red wines, Cremant du Jura and various Macvin du Jura, traditional fortified wines made by adding aged spirit to fresh must. The bottles are then labelled with beautiful, colourful illustrations that recall thecolourful spirit of the wines they contain.
