Jura Mizuiro Les Saugettes 2012 Domaine des Miroirs

Mizuiro – Les Saugettes 2012 by Domaine des Miroirs: A Subtle Elegance from Jura

The Mizuiro – Les Saugettes 2012 is a rare expression of the talent of Kenjiro Kagami, the enigmatic producer behind Domaine des Miroirs in Jura. This natural white wine, with its subtle and vibrant grace, is the result of precise and respectful viticulture that captures the essence of the Saugettes plot, one of the most intimate and poetic parcels of the estate.

History and Philosophy

Kenjiro Kagami, a former engineer and pupil of Thierry Allemand, founded Domaine des Miroirs in 2011 with the aim of giving voice to the land in its purest and most transparent form. His wines are produced in very small quantities, with no technical intervention: no clarification, no filtration, no added sulfur. Mizuiro – meaning “pale blue” in Japanese – embodies this spirit: a wine that doesn’t impose itself, but gently whispers.

Vineyard and Terroir

Les Saugettes is a small plot of marl soils typical of the Jura, cultivated according to biodynamic principles. The altitude, exposure, and energy of the location impart a unique profile to the grapes: nervous, saline, and delicately floral.

Winemaking and Maturation

Winemaking follows a radically non-interventionist philosophy. Spontaneous fermentation occurs in old barrels, with no temperature control. The wine is aged for more than two years on its lees, with minimal racking. The result is a living wine, never tamed, and in constant evolution in the glass.

Organoleptic Characteristics

Color

Pale golden-yellow, with the cloudy reflections typical of non-filtered wines.

Aroma

Subtle notes of wildflowers, lemon zest, quince, and chalk. A light controlled oxidation adds depth and charm.

Taste

Vertical, vibrant, with a mineral tension that runs through the palate. The mouthfeel is pure and saline, with a long and almost meditative finish. Every sip is a small epiphany.

Varieties

Grapes: Primarily Chardonnay, with small percentages of local varieties.

Serving Temperature and Alcohol Content

Serving temperature: 10–12°C
Alcohol content: Approximately 12% vol.

Food Pairing

• Vegetarian Cuisine: Grilled vegetables, herb risottos, dishes with salsify or fennel.

• Jura Cheeses: Aged Comté, Morbier, tomme.

• Raw or Smoked Fish: Sashimi, trout tartare, delicate ceviche.

• Fusion French-Japanese Cuisine: Fermented tofu, dashi, dishes with white miso.

Conclusion

Mizuiro – Les Saugettes 2012 is a contemplative wine with a rare poetic intensity. It perfectly embodies Kenjiro Kagami’s vision: making wine like writing a haiku. A rare experience, one that moves in silence and leaves a delicate yet indelible mark.

Technical Sheet

Product: Mizuiro – Les Saugettes 2012
Producer: Domaine des Miroirs
Denomination: Côtes du Jura (unofficial on the label)
Vintage: 2012
Format: 750 ml
Type: Natural white wine
Grapes: Predominantly Chardonnay
Alcohol content: 12% vol
Serving temperature: 10–12°C
Winemaking: Spontaneous fermentation in wood, no filtration, no added sulfur
Aging: Long aging in barrel
Recommended food pairings: Vegetarian dishes, cheeses, raw fish, Japanese cuisine
Availability: Extremely limited

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Domaine des Miroirs: The Art of Purity in the Jura

Domaine des Miroirs is one of the most intriguing and mysterious names in the French wine scene. Nestled in the heart of the Jura, in the village of Grusse near Château-Chalon, it was founded by the talented vigneron Kenjiro Kagami. In just a few short years, this tiny domaine has achieved cult status among natural wine lovers and collectors.

Origins and Philosophy

Kenjiro Kagami, a former Japanese engineer and protégé of Thierry Allemand in Cornas, established Domaine des Miroirs in the early 2010s with a singular vision: to create wines of purity, truth, and terroir. The name “des Miroirs” (“of Mirrors”) reflects his desire to produce wines that mirror the land and the vintage with honesty.

Core Principles

• Biodynamic viticulture: All vineyards are farmed biodynamically with no chemicals or herbicides.

• Natural winemaking: Native yeast fermentations, no additions, no sulfites, no interventions.

• Terroir transparency: Wines are neither filtered nor fined, preserving their full identity.

The Jura Terroir

Domaine des Miroirs covers just under 4 hectares, planted on the limestone and marl soils typical of the Jura. The cool, alpine-influenced climate, combined with meticulous vineyard care, results in grapes of great energy, precision, and finesse.

Grape varieties include:

• Savagnin

• Chardonnay

• Poulsard

• Trousseau

The Wines of Domaine des Miroirs

White Wines

Chardonnay and Savagnin

Elegant, vibrant, and deeply mineral. Kagami’s white wines are known for their crystalline purity, tension, and vitality. They often spend several years aging in barrel before bottling and show extraordinary aging potential.

Red Wines

Poulsard and Trousseau

Delicate macerations and extreme finesse. These reds are ethereal, floral, and spiced, with a taut and vibrant palate. Meditative, rare wines with great depth.

Micro-Productions and Rarity

Production is extremely limited — only a few thousand bottles per year. Each cuvée is unique, shaped by the character of the vintage and Kagami’s deeply personal touch. The labels, often hand-drawn, tell poetic and intimate stories.

Final Thoughts

Domaine des Miroirs is not just a winery — it is a vision of nature and art expressed through wine. Kenjiro Kagami’s bottles don’t follow trends or aim to please the masses. Instead, they speak softly and honestly to those who know how to listen. Drinking one of his wines is not merely a tasting, but a soulful experience.