Domaine la Grapp’A
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!
The Wines
The 2022 Chardonnay Champ Millot is showing great depth and complexity now (tasted February 2026). Chardonnays in the Jura always gain with further ageing and the balance is now hitting the right spot between freshness, minerality and tasted almond notes. 2022 was a hotter vintage and the initial richness is now nicely integretated making it a complete wine to drink and enjoy now.
2024 was once described to us as a year of constant struggle—humans against nature. At Domaine La Grapp’A, what would normally have been three separate winesended up in this unique cuvée, which we hope will remain a one-off—without tempting fate.
The wine is crafted in their distinctive style: fresh and lively, with a touch of Jurassic wilderness and an artisanal core that defines the domaine. Its bright ruby robe echoes notes of fresh berries, undergrowth, and pepper, making it an easy-drinking yet indulgent red. Ideal as an aperitif, served with cured meats and antipasti.
This wine is for the rare-grape fanatic who wants to explore—or take a deep dive into—the character of Jura. It is also the first vintage of this vineyard expression of Savagnin Jaune for Domaine de la Grapp’A: a very precise, luminous, chiseled, and pure wine. It impresses with its vibrant core, without any harshness. Look for subtle hints of Jurassic terroir shining through—toasted hazelnuts, lemon peel, and flinty notes.
This is the very first time Domaine la Grapp'A has released a 100% Melon, an ancient and rare Jura variety. This is due to the bumper crop in 2023 that unabled them to isolate it and the fact that they have regained full control of their vineyards from this vintage. It will remain a rare bottling and something Jura lovers must seek out. This rare and delicate expression is beautifully pure, highlighted by fresh pear juice, blossom, and smoky undertones.
Echoing “Petit Chapeau,” this wine is for the rare-grape fanatic who wants to explore—or take a deep dive into—Jura’s character. It is also the first bottling of Savagnin Vert for Domaine la Grapp’A. This is a very tantalizing wine, with a little more volume than the other Savagnin produced at the estate. It encapsulates all the sincerity one can find in a great Jura wine. A benchmark.
Produced every year without fail, “Pinot Noir Sur La Côte” has been one of the domaine’s best-known wines since its creation in 2021. Made using carbonic maceration, it highlights the fun, crunchy, herbal, and delightfully fruity character of the grape variety. Even in a difficult, cold vintage like 2024, they managed to craft a vibrant, fruit-driven wine—no easy task. They controlled the Jura wilderness very well, thanks to rigorous sorting. A lifted red, perfect for the first outdoor meals of the year. Can be served chilled.
The 2023 Chardonnay Champ Millot is a great expression of Jura Chardonnay, showcasing a richness and poise that can be associated with Burgundy, while still retaining a true terroir-driven characterwith a subtle barrel ageing. The mineral undertones lead to a fresh, balanced finish
La Pierre is a very special bottling at La Grapp’A, produced in only two vintages so far: 2021 and 2022. The combination of a high-altitude vineyard and northern exposure brings remarkable freshness—one sip of the wine sends shivers down your spine. Now, after almost two years in bottle (February 2024), the wine shows depth, a touch of reduction, flinty notes, and a deep, herbal, smoky core. An incredibly good wine.