Domaine Jousset

Domaine Jousset — Lise and Bertrand Jousset

Lise and Bertrand Jousset founded their estate in Montlouis-sur-Loire at the dawn of the 2004 vintage, a carefully considered project and a shared passion. Before becoming winemakers, Lise worked as a sommelier, while Bertrand came from a completely different background after a first career in the army. They settled in Montlouis to take advantage of superb terroirs without (too much) financial ruin, because at the time, they were "young and penniless" to start out.

The Vineyard and the Terroir

Their philosophy has remained the same since the beginning: like a cannon or a table companion, wine is meant to be drunk and shared. Established on tuffeau soils, a rock that greatly fascinates them, they cultivate 11 hectares (in the Montlouis-sur-Loire and Touraine appellations) using organic and then biodynamic farming methods.

Their artisanal approach showcases Chenin Blanc (or rather, Ch'nin!), an extraordinary grape variety that tolerates neither mediocrity nor even approximation. Their 27 plots, located mainly in Husseau, range in age from 5 to 100 years. They cultivate Chenin Blanc (on 9 hectares), Chardonnay (on 1 hectare), Gamay, and Grolleau (both on 1 hectare).

In the Cellar

Once the grapes are harvested, the work takes place in the cellar with a minimal-intervention approach. Here, there's no "pump," they work by gravity . This is perfectly fine, as the grape juice will naturally flow down to the barrels.

For white and rosé wines: Pressing is gentle, slow, and adapted to the grapes, to retain only fruit and noble aromas. Settling lasts a maximum of 18 hours, the time needed to remove the largest impurities... without enzymes, of course.
For red wines: Carbonic maceration is used, if the grapes allow it, to extract fruit and freshness.

Together, they craft wines renowned for their energy, precision, and stylistic freedom, from dry Chenin Blanc to naturally sparkling wines like “Bubulle,” which have become emblematic of the estate. They strive to make wines for every occasion, revealing the purest expression of the grape and the soil.

Information

Domain Name:
Domaine Jousset
Winemaker's Name:
Lise & Bertrand Jousset
Country:
France
Region:
Loire Valley
Appellations:
Aoc montlouis sur loire, Aoc touraine, Vallée de la loire, Vin de France, Vin de pays du val de loire
Farming:
Organic (2011)
Grape varieties:
Colombar, Chenin blanc, Gamay, Cabernet sauvignon, Grolleau, Chenin, Muscat, Carignan, Menu pineau, Grenache, Melon de bourgogne, Cabernet franc, Chardonnay, Colombard, Ugni blanc, Mauzac