Maison des Saules
After three wonderful visits over 18 months, Vins-Clairs is thrilled to welcome Anne-Cécile Daubigney and Marc Lacroix’s Maison des Saules to our portfolio. Their drive, ambition, and excellence are evident, making it an exciting time to join them at the start of their journey.
Anne-Cécile and Marc, both from the Jura, met at Lycée Hôtelier de Poligny, where they trained as sommeliers. Anne-Cécile worked in Paris at Papillon, while Marc gained experience in London, Valence, and even on a coffee plantation in Ecuador. Returning to France during Covid, Marc worked with Thomas Pico (Domaine de Pattes Loup), and later, the couple collaborated with François Rousset Martin in Jura, all while building their own domain. In 2024, they fully committed to Maison des Saules.
Now, they manage five hectares across Villeneuve-sous-Pymont, Savagna, and L’Étoile, with cellars in Perrigny and Chille, focusing on long-aging Savagnin. Their vineyards, on grey marl and amphitheater-like slopes, are being rejuvenated with great care, even incorporating a new orchard. Currently, 2.6 hectares are in production with the rest coming into production this year.
Practicing organic and biodynamic farming, they aim for certification, while their cellar work is natural and patient. Their wines, aged 24-36 months in old barrels, showcase complexity and finesse. While they primarily produce Chardonnay and Savagnin, they’ve released two younger wines bursting with freshness.
Maison des Saules is a new estate rooted in tradition and vision, and we are delighted to support their bright future. This is undoubtedly an estate to watch!
The Wines
This is the inaugural vintage of “Sous les Grands Prés”, making a striking debut in the UK. It was our Wine of the Day at a recent trade tasting. Achieving such a remarkable balance of concentration, elegance, and freshness is no easy feat. That this talented couple is just beginning is a promising sign for a bright future. The wine is exemplary, with umami richness, subtle smoky nuances, and profound minerality.
Third vintage for Maison des Saules, 2024 La Madeleine bears the hallmark of the year, with remarkable freshness. Green tones, aniseed, citrus zest, and a saline core define its profile. We recommend keeping it for a year or two. Our last bottles available.
Last year, one client described it as “sipping unicorn milk straight from a golden goblet while a dolphin in sunglasses played smooth jazz on a saxophone in the background.” We get it. The 2023 vintage shows even more purity and freshness, a hallmark of this year. Drink now or cellar for later—either way, this Domaine is destined for great things. Buy it while you can.