Joseph Dorbon Arbois Rouge Poulssard Vieilles Vignes 2020

Joseph Dorbon Arbois Rouge Poulssard Vieilles Vignes 2020

Joseph Dorbon
$40.00

Grape: Ploussard
Vintage: 2020
Type: Red

This Jura red wine is a pure varietal expression of the ploussard grape harvested from old estate vineyards in Arbois. Winemaker Joseph Dorbon applies low-intervention protocols on the local clay-limestone soils, allowing the fruit to ferment spontaneously with native wild yeasts. The winemaking prioritizes a gentle infusion process over heavy extraction to capture the, aromatic potential of the variety. It completes its maturation by resting for one year in stainless steel vats before bottling unfiltered.

It exhibits a classic faded rose color, releasing a fragrant nose of fresh red cherry, wild raspberry, and forest floor. On the palate, the light-bodied frame is earthy yet vibrant, pairing a crunchy fruit core with a fluid mouthfeel. Savory undertones of white pepper and sous bois develop nicely as the liquid opens up. A clean wave of mountain acidity cuts through the texture, maintaining great freshness.

Joseph Dorbon commenced his work as vigneron in 1996. He works three hectares of vineyards situated in his village of Vadans, six kilometers north of Arbois and across the Route Nationale from the fabled town of Montigny-les-Arsures. The vines are hillside plantings, southeast facing, at approximately 1,000 feet of altitude (322 meters). Dorbon works his vineyards following the best ecological practices and is now on the path to organic classification ("en conversion biologique"). He turns the soil just twice a year, the second time in June with the aid of a horse. Between ploughings, vegetation is largely left to grow between the vineyard rows with the weeding done only underneath and immediately around individual vines.

The vineyards are planted to a mix of Trousseau, Ploussard and Pinot Noir for the reds (30%) and Chardonnay and Savagnin (70% for the whites). All grapes are hand harvested.

The reds are each vinified separately after being destemmed. The alcoholic fermentation and cuvaison lasts for about 15 days. Both the Ploussard and Trousseau are aged for one year in stainless steel while the Pinot Noir rests in 225 liter oak barrels for an eighteen-month period.

The whites are all pressed as grappes entieres. The Chardonnay is fermented in 225 liter barrels and is left in the barrel to age for twenty-four months before bottling. During the elevage, the white wine is never racked and the wines are raised sous voile. The still white wines are the product of grapes harvested exclusively from old vines that are at least 40 years of age.