Aurelie Parla and Julien Maublanc created Domaine la Grapp’A with their first vintage in 2021. Although they are not newcomers since the 7ha vineyards has been in Julien’s family for generations.

Based in the small village of Abergement-le-Grand 5kms outside of Arbois, they have been working organically for the past 15 years, but all their vineyards were contracted to the local cooperative (or fruitiere vinicole as it is called in the Jura). All the work that goes into making organic grapes was not valued as it should, and it is the reason why they have decided to take back one vineyard after another as soon as the contracts expire. They have converted 2ha to biodynamic farming and will extend to all their holdings over time, implementing agroforestry at the same time to support the local ecosystem. They are also keen to develop oeno-tourism and we cannot wait for our first picnic in the vineyards.

As for the winemaking side, it is true they are complete novices. Well almost! Julien has been assisting his grandfather “Le Pere Guy” from an early age. It has always been low intervention, indigenous yeast and grapes coming from an old plot of vines situated behind the family house that has never seen anything oth than a pickaxe for tools and machinery.

They made their first vintage in the same facilities but have since moved into an old, vaulted cellar in the neighbouring village, Abergement-le-Petit.

The vineyards are in immaculate conditions and although they are not born winemakers or learnt with famous names, they surely know how to farm! They have excellent plot around Arbois and Buvilly.

Their philosophy rests on 3 pillars

·       Respect of the local grape varieties

·       Transparency of the terroir

·       Reflection of the vintage

As they went, they did not hesitate to taste their wines with other growers from the region, seeking advice with neighbour Jean Baptiste Menigoz of les Bottes Rouges, Catherine Hannoun of Domaine de la Loue and Jean Francois Ganevat. Just to make sure they were on the right track!