Domaine Villet Poulsard

Domaine Villet: A Story of Passion, Sustainability, and Quality

Domaine Villet is a family winery with a rich tradition dating back to 1900 in the Arbois region, the heart of Jura wines in France. The Villet family has been growing grapes in this historic region for over a century, and today, under the direction of Gérard and Christine Villet, Domaine Villet remains a benchmark of excellence in the production of natural and organic wines.

A Commitment to Organic Farming

In 1988, Gérard and Christine Villet took over the domaine and decided to take a crucial step toward organic viticulture. Domaine Villet was one of the first in the region to adopt this practice, abandoning chemical fertilizers, herbicides, pesticides, and synthetic fungicides in favor of natural fertilizers, compost, and other organic ingredients. Gérard was convinced that organic farming produced higher-quality grapes and that this methodology would be fundamental to the domaine's future.

In the early years of the conversion, the family began using limited copper treatments (bouillie Bordelaise) for mildew and sulfur for powdery mildew. However, over the years, Domaine Villet has significantly reduced its use of these products. Currently, the winery uses plant extracts such as nettle, horsetail, willow, and dandelion to protect the vines, minimizing chemical intervention in favor of a more natural and sustainable approach.

The Hands-Off Philosophy in Winemaking

At the winery, a hands-off philosophy is key to the winemaking process. Gérard firmly believes that natural yeasts are essential to expressing the true character of the terroir. Therefore, all fermentations are carried out with indigenous yeasts, allowing the wines to purely reflect the Arbois terroir. Furthermore, the wines are fermented and aged in old barrels to avoid the introduction of artificial flavors. The use of sulfur in bottling is limited to the minimum necessary, resulting in clean and authentic wines.

The winery has also adopted sustainable practices in its vineyards, allowing natural grass to grow between the vines, but practicing minimal tillage to control its proliferation. Gérard and Christine assure that constant attention to the vineyard throughout the year is essential to maintain healthy vines and minimize the risk of pests and diseases.

The Villet Family: A Generational Commitment

The Villet family's winemaking tradition began in 1900, and today, Gérard and Christine's son, Natanaël, leads the winery. Under his direction, Domaine Villet remains a small but prominent producer in the region, with 5.4 hectares of vineyards spread across seven plots around Arbois, many of which are considered among the best in the appellation. 70% of the vines are planted with Chardonnay and Savagnin, while the remainder is divided between red varieties such as Poulsard, Trousseau, and Pinot Noir.

An Example of Sustainability and Quality

Domaine Villet has become a model of sustainability in the Jura region, inspiring other winemakers to follow in its footsteps. In the 1980s, only 1% of Arbois vineyards were organic, while today, nearly 20% of the vineyards in the region are certified organic. This transition has been made possible thanks to the Villets' dedication and passion for preserving the environment and producing wines of the highest quality.

Domaine Villet's legacy is reflected in its exceptional wines, which showcase the uniqueness of the Arbois terroirs. Each bottle is an expression of the power of nature, family tradition, and respect for the environment.

Villet wines have a distinct terroir, and the family's style brings delicacy to their wines, resulting in weightless and loving reds and profound and sincere whites.