Benedicte & Stephane Tissot
Summary
Domaine Tissot is a family-owned, 50-hectare biodynamic estate in Montigny-lès-Arsures near Arbois in the Jura, producing over 30 different cuvées from all five traditional Jura varieties grown on distinctive blue and gray marls, limestone, and clay soils. Under Bénédicte and Stéphane Tissot's leadership since the mid-1990s, the domaine combines traditional methods like sous voile aging with innovative techniques, maintaining Demeter certification since 2004 while elevating Jura's international profile through their authentic expression of place.
Heritage & Leadership
Domaine Tissot's history in Jura began in 1962 when André and Mireille Tissot established the estate in Montigny-lès-Arsures, a small village near Arbois. Their son Stéphane, after completing his oenological studies and gaining experience in other wine regions including Australia and South Africa, returned to take over the family domaine in the mid-1990s. Working alongside his wife Bénédicte, who brings commercial expertise to complement his viticultural focus, Stéphane has transformed the estate into one of Jura's leading producers. Under their direction, Domaine Tissot has expanded from the original family holdings to encompass vineyards across multiple communes in the Arbois and Côtes du Jura appellations. The transition from André to Stéphane marked a significant shift in approach, with the younger Tissot implementing biodynamic practices and expanding the range of wines produced while maintaining respect for traditional Jura winemaking methods.
Vineyards & Wines
Domaine Tissot currently cultivates approximately 50 hectares of vineyards spread across the Jura region, primarily in the communes of Arbois, Montigny-lès-Arsures, and Buvilly. The estate works with all five traditional Jura grape varieties: Chardonnay, Savagnin, Poulsard, Trousseau, and Pinot Noir. Their vineyards feature the region's characteristic blue and gray marls, limestone, and clay soils, with specific parcels carefully matched to appropriate varieties. The domaine maintains several distinguished vineyard sites including Les Bruyères, La Mailloche, and En Barberon, each with distinct soil compositions that influence the resulting wines. Vineyard elevations range from 250 to 400 meters, providing varied microclimates across their holdings. The estate produces over 30 different cuvées, encompassing traditional Jura styles such as oxidative Savagnin, Vin Jaune, and Crémant du Jura, alongside non-oxidative (ouillé) white wines and red wines from the indigenous varieties.
Philosophy & Practice
Domaine Tissot received Demeter biodynamic certification in 2004 and Ecocert organic certification before that, reflecting their comprehensive commitment to environmental stewardship. Their viticultural approach includes the use of herbal preparations, respect for lunar cycles, and the elimination of synthetic chemicals. In the cellar, Stéphane employs indigenous yeasts for all fermentations and minimizes sulfur additions. The domaine maintains traditional Jura practices, including the sous voile (under veil) aging for certain Savagnin and Chardonnay wines, where the wine develops under a layer of yeast similar to fino sherry production. For their Vin Jaune, the wine ages in small oak barrels for the legally required minimum of six years and three months. Simultaneously, Tissot has introduced innovations such as single-vineyard bottlings that express specific terroirs and experimenting with amphora aging for selected cuvées. Harvest is conducted entirely by hand, with rigorous sorting to ensure only the highest quality fruit enters the winery. This balance of tradition and innovation has established Domaine Tissot as a definitive producer within the Jura region, creating wines that authentically represent both place and heritage.