Domaine Berthet-Bondet

Half of Jean’s land is in the Château Chalon appellation – home to the Savagnin grape, renowned for making the revered Vin Jaune. Exclusive to the Jura, this wine is harvested late and then aged in barrel for over six years. During this time a voile, or layer of yeast, forms on top of the wine, endowing it with a distinctive flavour of walnuts, hazelnuts and green almonds. A unique wine that has seen a resurgence of popularity in recent years, Vin Jaune has always been appreciated by the knowledgeable few.

Viticulture

The vineyards are located on steep limestone and marl slopes typical of the Jura, with soils such as blue and grey marl contributing structure, minerality and ageing potential. The estate has been farmed organically since the early 1990s and certified since around 2010–2013, with a strong emphasis on soil health, biodiversity and low yields. Manual harvesting is standard, and a mix of traditional Jura varieties is cultivated, including Savagnin and Chardonnay for whites, alongside Trousseau, Poulsard and Pinot Noir for reds.

Winemaking

Winemaking blends traditional Jura techniques with careful modern precision, with a clear focus on expressing terroir and preserving authenticity. Fermentations are typically carried out using indigenous yeasts with minimal intervention. The domaine is especially known for its “sous voile” (oxidative) style wines, where Savagnin is aged for over six years under a natural yeast film without topping up, producing the region’s iconic Vin Jaune. Alongside these, it also produces “ouillé” (non‑oxidative) wines, offering fresher, fruit‑driven styles. Ageing takes place in a combination of oak barrels and stainless steel depending on the cuvée.