Meet Domaine de la Touraize | André-Jean & Heleana Morin
Domaine de la Touraize can trace its winemaking roots back to the early 18th century. The name, La Touraize, comes from a vineyard that has been in the family since 1704. Back then, Arbois, the epicentre of Jura production, was a very different landscape, far removed from the hype and grandeur that surrounds the region today.
André-Jean is an 8th generation grape grower, joining his father in the winery in 1985. Back then, and up until 2009, all of the grapes harvested were sold to the local cooperative in Arbois. However, it was under André-Jean’s stewardship that the decision was made to start making wines under their own label, using their own fruit. In 2016, Héléana quit her job as a nurse, and joined the estate full-time, and provided further support in the estate’s efforts to convert to biodynamic farming (certified in 2020).
Stylistically, these are classic Jura wines, walking the fine line between oxidation and reduction, and at times, incorporating ageing under flor for their cuvées. Considering their 3 different Savagnins side-by-side demonstrates this idea perfectly.
Tasting with André-Jean in his newly built cellar on the outskirts of Arbois immediately brings the wines into perspective. Respect, thoughtfulness and humility, all elements that define the wines, are clearly incredibly important to the man behind them. This is not somebody that yearns for the cult following of many modern-day Jura producers, nor possesses the bravado that often comes with it; this is a man that truly believes in reflecting the essence of the region that his family have called home for centuries now, and the wines make this clear.
Returning up into the centre of Arbois for lunch, at Le Bistrot des Claquets, we discuss Domaine de la Touraize with the vignerons and winery interns that shuffle in and out for their lunch. These conversations make one thing clear - the values and attitude of André-Jean and Héléana have gained them immense popularity within Jura, and present the two as mentors that guide and compose a region during one of its most tumultuous periods.
