Wines of France / Jura / Arboisn / Domaine Ligier

Domaine Ligier - Jura

Located in the picturesque hills just north of Revermont in the heart of the Jura, Domaine Ligier currently farms ten hectares, eight of which are in the prized Arbois AOP in the communes of Arbois and Villette les Arbois. All of the vineyards sit on hillsides, with soils that are a combination of different marls, Triassic clay, and calcareous scree. Owner Hervé Ligier and winemaker Mari-Colette Vandelle team to produce an array of great values from the traditional varieties Chardonnay, Savagnin, Pinot Noir, Poulsard, and Trousseau.  From vibrant crémants, mineral driven whites, spicy reds, to the local specialty Vin Jaune, their range is a perfect tour of the gastronomic uniqueness the Jura has to offer.  

Harvests are always done manually, and a tri-level selection is performed, in an attempt to bring to the winery only the finest grapes their vineyards have to offer. In 2002 the domaine built its own chai where these grapes can be gently vinified and then aged (whether in stainless steel or oak barrels).

Domaine Ligier Crémant du Jura Brut Rosé
A blend (as mandated in the appellation) of Trousseau and Pinot Noir, with just enough of a maceration to give it its lovely pale pink color. It is made in the methode champenoise and racked for 12-18 months before being sold.
Its appealing nose presents raspberry and gooseberry notes, and on the palate these same fruit flavors are met by a perfectly balanced bubble and acidity. Perfect as an aperitif or even with fruit desserts.

Domaine Ligier Crémant du Jura Blanc de Blancs Brut
100% Chardonnay. The domaine also makes great value sparkling wines that have become some of the most popular in the book. The Cremant du Jura Brut is made with pure Chardonnay and aged on its lees for two years and sees a 7 g/l dosage. It has bright flavors of citrus fruit, an appealing tonic-like note, and a crisp, dry finish.  

Domaine Ligier Arbois “Cuvée des Poètes”
100% Savagnin from a blue and white marne soil, made in the topped-up style on its lees in foudre, in order to preserve its freshness and minerality. 
A perfect example of the more modern topped up style in the Jura, and how that style can showcase the varietal and regional character of the grape. Its round, slightly nutty flavors of ripe apple and citrus fruit are given a jolt of electricity by the natural acidity and minerality.
​

Domaine Ligier Arbois Poulsard
Poulsard has its home in Revermont, where it particularly likes the marl inflected clay soils. It is among the red grapes with the lowest levels of color phenols, and so even with extended time on the skins, its color remains pale and translucent. However, the character found in Poulsard is distinct and intense, and the paleness of the wine belies its flavor and vibrant personality. Ligier’s version shows a woodsy richness alongside a bright cherry note laced with rose hips. The mouth is floral and direct with a surprising intensity. Grown in a rugged region with an unusual wine culture and an extraordinary culinary tradition, this is a wine from a time gone by: idiosyncratic, rare and charming.​

Domaine Ligier Arbois Trousseau
Trousseau isn’t all that different from Red Burgundy — its fruit resembles a rustic Pinot Noir. It thrives on the gravelly marls with good exposure, especially on the hillside parcels, where it develops delicate florals, briar-y red fruits, and hints of citrus while maintaining a medium bodied frame. Given time, earthier notes emerge, like hints of game and pepper, making it quite compelling with food. Subtle and silky, with freshness and a fine tannin, Trousseau is an excellent alternative to its more famous neighbor to the west.​ 

Domaine Ligier Arbois Chardonnay A grape variety shared with neighboring Burgundy, Chardonnay has been cultivated in the Jura since the 14th century and thrives particularly well on Domaine Ligier’s clay soils. Vinified and then aged for at least one year in traditional 228-litre Burgundian oak barrels, protected from oxidation, the wine beautifully expresses the finesse and subtlety of the variety. A delicate touch of oak appears on the first nose before giving way to white flowers and a distinctive minerality. On the palate, gentle oak notes are again present at first, developing into fresh citrus flavors with an appealing buttery undertone. Best served chilled at 10–12°C, this elegant and balanced Chardonnay is ideal as an aperitif and pairs particularly well with starters, grilled fish and shellfish. It can be enjoyed young for its freshness or cellared for 8 to 10 years.

Domaine Ligier - Vin Jaune  A unique wine and the most emblematic expression of the Jura, Domaine Ligier’s Vin Jaune is made exclusively from late-harvested Savagnin, grown on the region’s characteristic grey and blue Lias marl soils. After traditional white-wine vinification, it is aged for six years and three months in partially filled 228-litre oak barrels, allowing a natural veil of yeast to develop on the surface. This long, undisturbed aging gives Vin Jaune its unmistakable character and remarkable complexity. Its deep golden color opens onto an extraordinary array of aromas, with fresh walnut, almond, green apple and exotic spices such as curry. Powerful and concentrated on the palate, yet lifted by a fine acidity, it has exceptional aromatic depth and a wonderfully persistent finish. Bottled in the traditional 62cl Clavelin, it is a wine built for extraordinary longevity, with an aging potential of 50 years or more. Best served at 14–16°C and opened at least two hours in advance, it pairs beautifully with creamy poultry or fish, morels, foie gras, Comté and other Jura cheeses, as well as spiced and curry-based dishes.

Domaine Ligier’s Macvin du Jura is made from unfermented Savagnin grape juice fortified with one-third Marc de Franche-Comté, bringing the wine to 18% alcohol. The blend is then aged for 24 months in oak barrels, allowing the fruit and spirit to come together in a rich and harmonious style. Amber in colour, the Macvin has a refined and complex nose in which ripe fruit mingles with the warmth of the Marc. The palate is generous and full-bodied, balancing natural sweetness with the power of the spirit and revealing enticing notes of spice and quince. Best served well chilled at 6–8°C, it is delicious as an aperitif and pairs particularly well with melon, chocolate desserts, vanilla ice cream, caramel or walnuts. With an ageing potential of 15 to 20 years, it can also develop further complexity with time.