Wines by Region / Jura / Arbois

Domaine Ligier - Jura

Located in the picturesque green Arbois hillsides just north of Revermont, the domaine currently owns 10 hectares—8 part of AOP Arbois in the communes of Arbois and Villette les Arbois, and 2 part of AOP Côtes du Jura in the commune of Buvilly. All of these vineyards sit on hillsides, with soils that are a combination of different marls, tirassic clay and calcareous scree. As elsewhere in the Jura, those on Bajocian cliff scree and lias clay are considered the best vineyards. The vineyards are planted to roughly a third each of Chardonnay, Savagnin and the local red varietals (Poulsard, Trousseau and Pinot Noir), and they always try to match the varietal with its favorite soil type for a true expression of their terroir. 

Harvests are always done manually, and a tri-level selection is performed, in an attempt to bring to the winery only the finest grapes their vineyards have to offer. In 2002 the domaine built its own chai where these grapes can be gently vinified and then aged (whether in stainless steel or oak barrels).

Domaine Ligier Arbois “Cuvée des Poètes”
100% Savagnin from a blue and white marne soil, made in the topped-up style on its lees in foudre, in order to preserve its freshness and minerality. 
A perfect example of the more modern topped up style in the Jura, and how that style can showcase the varietal and regional character of the grape. Its round, slightly nutty flavors of ripe apple and citrus fruit are given a jolt of electricity by the natural acidity and minerality.
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Domaine Ligier Crémant du Jura Brut Rosé
A blend (as mandated in the appellation) of Trousseau and Pinot Noir, with just enough of a maceration to give it its lovely pale pink color. It is made in the methode champenoise and racked for 12-18 months before being sold.
Its appealing nose presents raspberry and gooseberry notes, and on the palate these same fruit flavors are met by a perfectly balanced bubble and acidity. Perfect as an aperitif or even with fruit desserts.

Domaine Ligier Crémant du Jura Blanc de Blancs Brut
100% Chardonnay, made in the methode champenoise and racked for 12-18 months before being sold. This long aging on the lees give it elegant finesse in its bubble and aromatic complexity. 
Greenish-gold color with a lovely bead. The nose offers hints of citrus fruits and white flowers, and on the palate these fruity flavors are round but balanced by an excellent acidity.   

Domaine Ligier Arbois Poulsard
This is a lovely example of the grape, one of the 3 key Jura red grape varieties, which particularly likes strong marl or clay soils. Hand harvested and then vinified in the traditional manner, it spends 10-12 months in vats before being bottled.  It is a light ruby color and its structure is light and fruity: currant, raspberry, morello cherry. A uniquely food friendly wine, perfect with charcuterie (especially if smoked) and grilled meats.

Domaine Ligier Arbois Trousseau
The other principal red grape in the Jura, Trousseau, is is richer in color and tannin. It thrives on fairly warm gravelly soils or on shallow marls with good exposure. Ligier's version is vinified in vats for 12 to 15 days depending on the year and then aged in the same vats for 10 to 12 months. With a solid, round structure, this wine gently develops complex aromas of red and black fruits (strawberry, morello cherry, blackcurrant, blackberry). The fruit persists for a long time, followed by fine tannins on the finish. This grape deserves more attention--it's an ideal match for red meats, strong fish dishes, duck and a variety of cheeses.