Description

The Arbois Pupillin Les Ecrins from Domaine de la Borde is a distinctive Savagnin (a ‘vin de voile’). It is grown on a terroir of schistose blue clay from the Lias period. Vinification and ageing take place for two years in large oak casks, followed by a further two years without topping up or racking. The result is a particularly long-finishing wine, driven by great tension, with a character of subtlety and finesse.

In the vineyard, in the cellar

The Les Ecrins cuvée from Domaine de la Borde is a distinctive Savagnin from the Arbois Pupillin appellation. A terroir of deep grey and blue schistous marl from the Lias period, facing south-west, on a steep slope (25%). Altitude 350 m to 450 m. Vines tilled and tended without herbicides or synthetic products. Hand-harvested. 100% Savagnin, fully destemmed. Vinified and aged with topping up for two years in large casks, then for a further two years without topping up or racking.

Julien Maréschal runs his Domaine de la Borde using organic and natural farming methods. Respect for the terroir is reflected in key principles such as natural grass cover and soil management (ploughing, ridging, scarification, etc.). No chemical weedkillers, contact treatments without synthetic molecules… But also experiments in biodynamics since 2009 (horn manure and horn silica applied to all the vines). The harvest is, of course, carried out by hand at the exact point of ripeness, with rigorous sorting taking place in the rows and in the cellars. In the cellar, only indigenous yeasts are used and very little SO2 is added to remain as true to the terroir as possible.

What to eat with Arbois Pupillin Savagnin les Ecrins from Domaine de la Borde?

• Franche-Comté terrine
• Fish pasta or risotto (salmon risotto with Parmesan cream)
• Exotic cuisine
• Comté cheese tart
• 12–18-month-old Comté