ERIC THILL

Domaine Eric Thill, established in 2009 by Eric and Bérengère Thill, is nestled in the Jura region of eastern France, between Burgundy and Switzerland, just 45 km from the town of Arbois. Originally from Alsace, Eric and Bérengère brought their rich viticultural heritage with them when they relocated to the village of Trenal, on the edge of the Saône-et-Loire department, seeking better opportunities for cultivation and winemaking.

Proud of their Alsatian roots, the Thills immediately embraced organic farming practices, both in the vineyard and the winery. They have been certified organic by Ecocert since 2015. The estate spans approximately 5 hectares, including 3.25 hectares of Chardonnay, 1 hectare of Savagnin, 0.35 hectares of Pinot Noir, and 0.7 hectares of Poulsard. Their plots are scattered across various locations, including Montbouchon, with its clay over Bajocien limestone; Les Grandes Vignes and Les Molates, known for their prized grey, red, and blue marl; and Les Longes Combes, characterized by clay soils.

Eric practices "parcellaire" winemaking, vinifying the fruit of each plot separately to capture the unique characteristics of each terroir. This approach results in wines that emphasize freshness and fruitiness. The Thills avoid synthetic chemicals in the cellar, opting for spontaneous fermentations and using minimal sulfur.

In the Jura, Eric and Bérengère cultivate traditional grape varieties, aiming to express the distinct terroirs of their vineyards. Their wines, characterized by their concentration due to low yields and their stability from long yeast aging, are harvested by hand. Eric employs gentle, long press cycles for the whites, avoiding significant skin maceration, while the maceration time for the reds varies depending on the vintage. Each cuvée is bottled only when deemed ready, typically between 6 to 18 months after fermentation.

The Thills live in Trenal, near the commune of Gevingey, where their vines are planted close to forests that provide ecological diversity. Since starting with 2.8 hectares, their holdings have grown to 7 hectares, allowing them to craft wines that reflect the Jura's unique terroir and their commitment to organic viticulture.