Guillaume d’Angerville began looking for vineyards in France’s Jura region in 2007, when it was far less fashionable than it is today. He had returned to his family’s Volnay estate, Domaine Marquis d’Angerville, in 2003 after his father’s death. A blind tasting helped spark his interest in the Jura: he mistook an Arbois wine for Puligny-Montrachet.
“It was close enough to Burgundy that I could sign my name on the label without lying,” he said.
His first purchase was five hectares from a grower who had replanted the estate, leaving the vineyard in good condition. In 2007, he bought another five hectares at Grand Coroulet in Arbois. The site needed extensive work, and he eventually uprooted the entire vineyard. For a Burgundy producer, finding such a large, single block was a rare opportunity.
Five years later, d’Angerville acquired a further five hectares from nearby producer Jacques Puffeney. Domaine du Pélican now farms 15 hectares, with roughly 70% devoted to white grapes and 30% to red.
When the project began, most Jura wine was consumed locally. “Eighty per cent of the Jura wines were consumed in Jura,” d’Angerville recalled. “I was the first to come in from another region.” He considers the timing fortunate: the region’s revival, alongside that of Alpine wines, was just beginning.
Tasting notes
-
Domaine du Pélican Brut S Zero Brut Nature 2020, Vin de France — 92/100
Made entirely from Savagnin, this sparkling wine is not labelled Crémant du Jura and cannot name the grape on its label. It is described as the region’s only 100% Savagnin sparkling wine. Bright and fruity, with mandarin, pear and lime, plus a lightly spiced finish. -
Domaine du Pélican Savagnin Ouillé 2023, Arbois — 94/100
Textural and refined, with sweet cherry, pear and citrus. Pure, mineral and well balanced, finishing with a hint of aniseed. -
Domaine du Pélican Savagnin Ouillé 2022, Arbois — 94/100
Crystalline and taut, with lively acidity, mineral freshness, and notes of cherry, pear, apple and spice. Rich, yet held in tension. -
Domaine du Pélican Savagnin Ouillé Grand Coroulet 2022, Arbois — 94/100
Subtle toast, honey and meal aromas meet lemon and mandarin. The fine, polished palate is elegant and focused, with a saline finish. -
Domaine du Pélican Chardonnay 2023, Arbois — 94/100
A delicate, expressive wine with toast, sweet pear and peach, alongside marzipan notes. -
Domaine du Pélican Chardonnay en Barbi 2023, Arbois — 95/100
Textural and refined, with pear, peach, citrus and a touch of aniseed. Honeyed richness gives way to a pure, expressive finish. -
Domaine du Pélican Savagnin Macération Pelliculaire 2022, Arbois — 95/100
Complex and aromatic, with citrus and apple, good depth and a touch of structure. Powerful but elegant, with a pleasing grip. -
Domaine du Pélican Trois Cépages 2023, Arbois — 95/100
A blend of about 60% Pinot Noir with Trousseau and Ploussard, first made when there were too few red grapes to vinify separately. Pinot Noir leads, Trousseau adds spice and Ploussard lends a smooth finish. Redcurrant, red cherry and sour cherry combine with lively acidity and fine detail. -
Domaine du Pélican Trois Cépages 2022, Arbois — 94/100
Fresh, lively and textured, with red cherry, redcurrant, wild strawberry, spice and dried herbs. A distinctive wine that balances complexity with elegance and precision. -
Domaine du Pélican Trousseau Béranger 2023, Arbois — 96/100
Very pale in colour, with cherry, citrus, redcurrant and plum. Fresh, firm and pure, tapering into an elegant finish. -
Domaine du Pélican Savagnin Sous Voile 2020, Arbois — 96/100
Aged three years under flor. Aromatic and tangy, yet delicate, with mint, pear, lime and tart apple. Detailed, elegant and long. -
Domaine du Pélican Savagnin Sous Voile 2019, Arbois — 95/100
Also aged three years under flor, compared with six years for Vin Jaune. Fresh, salty and intense, with green apple, cherry and lemony fruit. Complex, focused, delicate and pure. -
Domaine du Pélican Vin Jaune 2016, Arbois — 97/100
Aged six years under flor. Juicy, vivid and powerful, with oily, spicy layers and impressive density. Tight-knit and profound, combining force with precision.
For more information, see the UK agent, Corney & Barrow.