Domaine de la Ferme de Jeanne - Bugey Pinot Noir AOC 750ml 2022 (12.2% abv)

female winemaker

La Ferme de Jeanne is a small, organic domaine situated in the Flaxieu Bugey region, between the Massif Gran Colombier and the right bank of the Rhône River, on the last southern foothills of the Jura. This is a wild and rural part of France not internationally famous for its wines, but maintains a loyal group of followers. Bugey only received AOC status in 2009, which was a significant step in proving to the broader wine community that its elegant, expressive wines deserved to be taken seriously. The estate was founded in 1981 by the Balsollier family, a local farming family, who planted grapes, cereals, and other fruits. They also had an ancient basket press on the farm and used it to produce small quantities of wine, which was sold at markets and to locals for the next 15 years. Yves Balsollier eventually became so well-known for his delicious and inexpensive wines, that him and his wife Jacqueline became full-time vignerons in 1995. 

In 2011, Monsieur Balsollier decided to retire, and eventually agreed to sell the domaine to Regis and Lynn Bernard. Regis, a lawyer from Paris, had been enthralled by wine and nature from a young age and had been looking for a project to take over for years. They have permanently relocated in the local village, enmeshing themselves in local life. Regis now serves on the town council. The couple brought on Nadège Allouch as winemaker to run all aspects of product. She previously worked in multiple countries, as well as stints in Burgundy, Alsace, Côte-Riotie, and Bordeaux before settling in Bugey. 

Their vision for the domaine has always been a full conversion to biodynamics. However, they believed that a full conversion to organic farming was an important first step before a full conversion could be completed. The vines are all now fully organic, and they are in the process of securing biodynamic certification. In the cellar, Nadège works with minimal intervention, with a maximum of 30mg/l of SO2 added only when necessary. No other additives are used in the wines. The wines are humble, country wines, with a liveliness and freshness that evokes the beautiful region from which they hail

"This Pinot Noir is like a breath of fresh alpine air. It comes from Bugey, a small French region tucked between the mountainous area of Savoie and the Rhône river. Its cool-climate and steep slopes lead to incredibly refreshing wines, like this Pinot that comes in at just 12.2 percent ABV. It has notes of black raspberry, white pepper, and herbs with lifted acidity. This high-toned expression shines with a slight chill."

92 Points (Vinepair)

chillable, Alpine freshness, crunchy, herbal, bright red fruit, pine, raspberry, white pepper

region: Bugey, Savoie,  France

varietal: Pinot Noir

style: red

farming/cellar: organic & biodynamic, ambient yeast, little to no added so2, 

pairing: everything from roast chicken to lamb burgers