Arbois blanc, Savagnin Les Ecrins, Domaine de la Borde - 2016

Born in Dole into a family of cereal farmers, it was almost by chance that Julien Mareschal discovered vines and wine. After studying oenology in Dijon, he decided in 2003 to acquire a few hectares of vines in the marly valleys of Pupillin, a village almost twin to Arbois and the stronghold of the mythical Pierre Overnoy. 3.25 hectares divided into 9 parcels, with various small clay-limestone soils, but also red and grey marl, with a south and south-west exposure. Julien Mareschal cultivates pinot noir, chardonnay, ploussard (or poulsard) and the sacrosanct savagnin. A 400m2 cellar was built to favour gravity-fed work and avoid pumping out the harvest. The following year, he enlarged his vineyard by acquiring 1 hectare 40 in the very qualitative Sous la Roche area. In April 2005, he increased the size of his vineyard to 5 hectares, with the planting of 35 ares of Savagnin in massal selection on the same vineyard; five years later, he acquired 20 ares of Trousseau on the same site. In October 2011, the estate officially entered into conversion to organic farming, with the application of biodynamic preparations which had been on trial since 2009. It is now certified AB by Ecocert.