Chardonnay 2020 Domaine des Murmures

Chardonnay 2020 by Domaine des Murmures: Purity, Precision, and Terroir

The Chardonnay 2020 from Domaine des Murmures is a deep and honest white wine that embodies Emmanuel Lançon’s radical and poetic vision. A wine of clarity, vibrancy, and integrity, it whispers the soul of Jura’s terroir.

Winemaker’s Philosophy

Located in Pupillin, Domaine des Murmures is one of Jura’s best-kept secrets. Emmanuel Lançon farms with complete respect for nature, using biodynamic principles and minimal intervention in the cellar. His wines don’t shout—they murmur, in tune with the estate’s name.

Vineyards and Terroir

This Chardonnay comes from vineyards rooted in blue marl and limestone soils. These poor but expressive terrains, coupled with very low yields, result in remarkable purity and concentration. The 2020 vintage was balanced and bright, with ripe, healthy fruit and superb tension.

Vinification and Aging

The process is defined by restraint and trust in nature:

• Spontaneous fermentation with indigenous yeasts

• 18 months of aging in used oak barrels

• Ouillé style: barrels are topped up regularly to prevent oxidation

• No fining or filtration, minimal sulfur added only at bottling

Tasting Notes

Color: Pale yellow with golden reflections
Nose: Precise and elegant, showing green apple, lemon zest, crushed almond, and flinty minerality
Palate: Tense, salty, and vertical, with deep mineral energy and a long, dry, extremely clean finish

Grape Variety

100% Chardonnay – interpreted through the lens of Jura: raw, refined, and totally soil-driven.

Serving Temperature and Alcohol Content

Serving temperature: 12–14 °C
Alcohol content: Approx. 12.5% vol.

Food Pairings

A gastronomic wine, ideal for:

• Raw or smoked fish: yellowtail tartare, wild salmon

• Soft cheeses: camembert, robiola, fresh goat cheese

• Refined vegetarian dishes: leek flan, asparagus risotto

• Classic French cuisine: vol-au-vent, quiche lorraine

Final Thoughts

The Chardonnay 2020 from Domaine des Murmures is a wine of quiet power: austere, pristine, and deeply tied to its origins. A bottle for seekers of purity, precision, and subtle emotion. Drink now or let it evolve with time.

Technical Sheet

Wine: Chardonnay 2020
Producer: Domaine des Murmures
Appellation: Vin de France (Jura)
Vintage: 2020
Bottle size: 750 ml
Type: White wine
Grape variety: 100% Chardonnay
Alcohol: 12.5% vol.
Serving temperature: 12–14 °C
Vinification: Spontaneous fermentation, ouillé aging in used barrels, unfiltered
Style: Mineral, pure, precision-driven
Recommended pairings: Raw fish, soft cheeses, vegetarian dishes, French classics
Availability: Very limited

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Domaine des Murmures: An Exploration of Jura

Domaine des Murmures is an emerging gem in the French wine world, located in the Jura region. This small but ambitious estate, founded by Emmanuel Lançon, stands out for its production of natural wines that reflect the purity and authenticity of the terroir. With the adoption of biodynamic practices, Domaine des Murmures has quickly gained a reputation for its authentic and complex wines.

The Philosophy of Domaine des Murmures

The estate’s philosophy is centered around sustainability and respect for nature. Emmanuel Lançon, who founded the domaine in 2012, focuses on biodynamic viticulture, avoiding the use of chemicals and embracing practices that maintain the natural balance of the vineyard. This approach is reflected in the wines produced, which are pure, without additives, and fermented using indigenous yeasts.

Manual Labor and Rigorous Selection

Every step of the production process is handled with care and attention. The grapes are hand-harvested, with a strict selection to ensure only the best fruits are used. The vinification process occurs naturally, without selected yeasts, sulfites, or any external interventions. This approach aims to express the true character of the Jura terroir in every bottle.

The Terroir of Jura

Domaine des Murmures is located in one of the most captivating wine regions in France: Jura. This region, famous for its limestone and clay soils, is influenced by a unique microclimate that allows the vines to thrive in an ideal environment. Jura is known for its distinctive wines, ranging from the traditional Vin Jaune to lighter and fresher reds.

Soils and Climate

Jura’s soils are rich in minerals and limestone, which gives the wines a notable minerality and a unique structure. The influence of the mountainous climate, with hot summers and harsh winters, contributes to the wines’ natural freshness, vibrant acidity, and depth that evolves over time.

The Wines of Domaine des Murmures

Domaine des Murmures produces both white and red wines, all of which are characterized by high quality and artisanal methods.

Red Wines

The red wines of the domaine are primarily made from the Poulsard and Trousseau grape varieties, both of which are native to the Jura region. These wines are elegant, with soft tannins and a bouquet of fresh red fruits, spices, and mineral notes. Their freshness and complexity make them perfect for early drinking but they also have excellent aging potential.

White Wines

The white wines are made from Savagnin and Chardonnay grapes. These wines offer great freshness, with aromas ranging from ripe fruit to hints of hazelnut and spices, complemented by the minerality that makes them unique. Savagnin, in particular, gives the wines a complex structure with notable aging potential.

Vinification Process

At Domaine des Murmures, vinification follows biodynamic principles, prioritizing the use of indigenous yeasts and avoiding added sulfites. The wines are fermented in wooden casks, where they age and develop complexity and depth. The extended aging on the lees imparts a smooth texture and a rich range of aromas to the wines.

Fermentation and Aging

Each wine is treated with the utmost respect for the fruit. Spontaneous fermentation ensures the integrity and natural expression of the grapes, while aging in oak barrels contributes to the wine’s structure and smoothness.

Organoleptic Characteristics

The wines of Domaine des Murmures are known for their freshness, minerality, and complexity. The main characteristics vary depending on the wine type, but all maintain great elegance and rare finesse.

Color

The white wines range from golden yellow to pale straw, while the reds exhibit a lively, ruby hue that is vibrant and clear.

Aroma

The aromatic bouquet is rich and complex, with notes of fresh fruit, white flowers, and evolving minerality that develops over time. The white wines, in particular, can feature hints of tropical fruit, hazelnuts, and delicate spices.

Taste

On the palate, the wines of Domaine des Murmures are fresh, balanced, and harmonious. Minerality is often evident, and the finish is long and persistent, with a refreshing vibrancy that makes each sip unique.

Food Pairings

The wines of Domaine des Murmures are extremely versatile and pair wonderfully with refined dishes and high-quality food.

Fish Dishes

Perfect with fresh fish or shellfish dishes, such as baked bass or scallops, which enhance the wine’s freshness and minerality.

Cheeses

Excellent with soft cheeses, like Camembert, or aged cheeses that complement the complexity of the wines.

White Meat and Gourmet Cuisine

The red wines of the domaine also pair wonderfully with white meat dishes, such as roast chicken, or gourmet plates featuring porcini mushrooms and foie gras.

Conclusion

Domaine des Murmures is a small treasure in the heart of Jura, representing the excellence of biodynamic and natural winemaking. With its attention to detail, respect for terroir, and artisanal approach to vinification, the domaine produces wines that not only reflect the unique character of the region but also promise to evolve beautifully over time. A must-try for fans of natural and biodynamic wines.