Cavarodes Arbois Poulsard de Chemenot

As the saying goes, looks can be deceiving. This is true for Etienne Thiebaud, a tall, vigorous winegrower with dreadlocks down to his waist who, at first glance looks more like he’s just stepped out of a yoga class or an electronic music festival than he does a farmer. And yet, he is a wine grower whose natural winemaking is receiving worldwide acclaim. After learning in Burgundy and working at Domaine de la Tournelle, Etienne set up his own winery, Domaine des Cavarodes, in 2007. Located in the quiet village of Jura, in Cramans, and with no more than 4.5 hectares of vineyards aged 15 to 115 years old, he produces beautiful and honest wines that are a pure expression of the terroir.  

One of Etienne’s discoveries is Poulsard, an ancient variety native to the Jura that is planted in limestone soils and masterfully cultivated. Cultivated using organic treatments, plant preparations and taking into account the lunar calendar in every process, he grows a pure grape that is ready for the minimal intervention vinification of Cavarodes Arbois Poulsard de Chemenot.

In the winery, the grapes are carefully destemmed and after crushing, they undergo a very light carbonic maceration. Cavarodes Arbois Poulsard de Chemenot ferments spontaneously with native yeasts and ages in French oak foudres for 12 months. Finally, the wine is bottled without filtering, clarifying or adding sulphites.

The result is Cavarodes Arbois Poulsard de Chemenot, an enchanting wine ready to enjoy straight away that is made within the AOC Arbois and amazes people with its good minerality and vibrant energy.