Jean-Luc Mouillard
Mantry, Jura, France
Jean-Luc Mouillard's winery is in the picturesque village of Mantry in the Jura. Growing up on a dairy farm with some vineyard parcels, Jean-Luc developed an early interest in winemaking, not just Comté. In 1991, after attending enology school, he founded Domaine Jean-Luc Mouillard, eventually expanding his vineyard holdings to 11 hectares acres across the Côtes du Jura, L’Etoile, and Château-Chalon appellations. The village of Nevy-sur-Seille, where Jean-Luc was born, features a historic stone bridge that serves as a motif on Jean-Luc's wine labels.
The estate primarily focuses on white wines, with a production that typically consists of 80% whites from varieties such as Chardonnay and Savignan, with the balance being Pinot Noir, Poulsard, and Trousseau, all cultivated at an elevation of approximately 1,000 feet.
Though he initially employed a lutte raisonnée approach to farming, Jean-Luc transitioned to organic practices, and finally achieved full organic certification in 2023. His commitment to organic viticulture reflects a growing trend in the Jura, where the unique terroir and high-altitude vineyards contribute to distinctive wine profiles.
In 1997, Jean-Luc relocated to the village of Mantry, acquiring a historic sixteenth-century house with a stone cellar ideal for aging wine. Over the years, he developed additional facilities for fermentation and bottling, illustrating his dedication to quality and craftsmanship.
Noted Jura and Savoie wine writer, Wink Lorch, says of Jean-Luc Mouillard: “This estate has evolved on every level in the past decade and Jean-Luc has been joined by his son Mathieu, who studied at Mâcon-Davayé. In 2016, the vineyards were expanded adding a mature parcel in Mantry, and from 2020 the whole estate was converted to organics. The range now includes single parcel wines and a Savagnin ouillé, named Le Curieux. Jean-Luc does not think they should expand further, believing small estates are the calling card for the region. He stopped sales of grapes to negociants, and no longer sells wines at French tasting shows. Instead, he now has time to focus on exports with over one third of the production going principally to the US and UK, with the hope to increase that level to 50%. He does, however, like to keep the tasting room open for private buyers. There’s every reason to make Jean-Luc a poster boy for the region – and Mathieu is his enthusiastic partner.”
Our Selections
Cotes du Jura Chardonnay “Bas de la Chaux” 2022
There may be no other region outside of Burgundy where Chardonnay is so reflective of the soil in which it’s grown than the Jura. Years back Jean-Luc used three parcels to make this wine, but now in productive years it comes from a single parcel named La Chaux. The parcel totals 1.2ha, and much of it is on a steep hillside that must be worked by hand.
The spontaneous fermentation takes place in steel with the malo taking place during 12+ months of aging in older barrels (228l & 500l). The wine is truly a product of Jura’s alpine foothills—their elevation and their limestone—making for a delicious combination of elegance and minerality. Hints of white flowers and lime blossom on the nose; the palate is round, balanced and fresh. 13% alc. 600 six-packs produced.
Cotes du Jura Savagnin Ouille “Le Curieux” 2021
A ouillé, or topped up, expression of Savagnin from Mouillard with striking balance between Jura-esque minerality and lovely palate richness. Savagnins kaleidoscopic aromas of citrus, beeswax, and spice on the nose make this a wine for contemplative enjoyment. Native yeast fermentation and aged primarily in older wood for 16 months. A productive year sees 750 six-packs.
Cotes du Jura Floral 2020
Mouillard’s Floral comes from 90% Chardonnay and 10% Savignan, the aromatic and structured grape variety used for Vin Jaune. Floral is a local designation for a Vin Ouillé; that is, a wine that is fully topped up to the eye (ouillé) of the barrel and not made in an oxidative style. The Floral is a brilliant white wine: yellow/gold in color with aromas of citrus, pear, green apple, and a hint of butter. The complexity and cut on the palate follows with truly Jura-esque minerality on the finish. 13.5% alc. 700 six-packs produced.
l`Etoile Sélection (Savagnin/Chardonnay) 2019
Mouillard farms 2ha in AOP L'Etoile on Jurassic limestone with marl topsoil. The Sélection bottling is classic Jura: 60% Savagnin and 40% Chardonnay. The wines are blended then aged sous voile (under the veil of flor) in old 228l barres for two to three years depending on the vintage.
This is distinctly complex with a powerful nose reminiscent of green almonds, dried lemon zest, and bread dough. Full-bodied and concentrated, the 2019 is a delicious, oxidatively aged L'Étoile with plenty of substance. A long and nutty finish brings it home.
Cotes du Jura Trousseau Sur La Cour 2023
100% Trousseau from two tiny parcels (totaling 1.3 ha) of organic fruit planted to limestone and clay/marl soils in the village of Mantry, which is located at a thousand feet in elevation. Typical of the grape, this is a deceptively light-colored wine that bursts with bright cherry and raspberry fruit on the nose. The palate is mid-weight with elegant tannins and good structure. The 2023 vintage was de-stemmed, then fermented and aged in stainless steel. 12.5% alcohol. 300 six-packs produced.
Cotes du Jura Pinot Noir 2022
This comes from two parcels totaling less than one hectare. The 2022 Pinot Noir was de-stemmed and fermented spontaneously in steel, then aged in neutral 228L and 500L barrels, with a third in new oak. This is a light-colored yet textured Pinot Noir that dances across the palate with notes of bright red fruit and spice. This is simply excellent Pinot Noir from limestone. 13% alcohol and a mere 125 six-packs produced.