Jacques Puffeney

Domaine Jacques Puffeney: A Jura Wine Legend

The Domaine Jacques Puffeney, located in Montigny-lès-Arsures in the Jura region of France, is an iconic name in the world of Jura wines. Known as the "Pope of Arbois", Jacques Puffeney crafted some of the finest wines in the region, particularly his legendary Vin Jaune, celebrated for its complexity and remarkable aging potential.

History and Legacy

Jacques Puffeney began his winemaking journey in 1962, working alongside his father. In 1964, he released his first vintage, marking the start of a career that would span over five decades. Over time, the estate expanded to 7.5 hectares, with vineyards in Montigny-lès-Arsures, Arbois, and Villette-les-Arbois. This exceptional terroir allowed Puffeney to produce wines of outstanding depth and finesse.

Grape Varieties and Terroir

The estate cultivated a range of traditional Jura grape varieties:

• Savagnin (2.7 ha): The backbone of Vin Jaune, known for its nutty and spicy aromas.
• Chardonnay (1.8 ha): Producing elegant and mineral-driven white wines.
• Trousseau (1.2 ha): Particularly famous in Montigny-lès-Arsures, offering structure and aging potential.
• Poulsard (1.2 ha): A light, aromatic red, emblematic of Jura’s wine identity.
• Pinot Noir (0.6 ha): Vinified with finesse, adding diversity to the estate's reds.

Exceptional Wines

Jacques Puffeney’s Vin Jaune remains a benchmark in the Jura. Made from Savagnin and aged under a layer of yeast ("voile") for 6 years and 3 months, it develops complex flavors of walnuts, curry, and spices, with extraordinary depth. His Trousseau and Poulsard reds are also highly sought after, known for their delicacy and authentic expression of Jura terroir.

A New Chapter: Passing the Torch

In 2014, after 52 vintages, Jacques Puffeney retired, selling most of his vineyards to the d’Angerville family (owners of Domaine du Pélican in Jura and Domaine Marquis d’Angerville in Volnay). However, he kept a small parcel of 40-year-old vines of Trousseau and Savagnin, allowing him to continue producing around 2,000 bottles per year.

Jacques Puffeney’s Enduring Influence

Even in retirement, Jacques Puffeney remains a legendary figure in Jura winemaking. His expertise and dedication continue to inspire a new generation of winemakers, ensuring that his exceptional winemaking legacy lives on.