Story
Domaine de Saint Pierre / Fabrice Dodane
Arbois · Jura · France
Fabrice Dodane is a renowned winemaker based in the Jura region of France, where he operates Domaine de Saint Pierre. His winemaking career began in 1989 when he started working as a vineyard manager and winemaker for Domaine de Saint Pierre. He eventually purchased the estate in 2011. Dodane is highly respected in the natural wine community for his low-intervention approach, which includes minimal use of sulphur and fermentation with indigenous yeasts. In recent years, due to climate change and extreme weather events, Dodane has faced significant challenges in grape production in the Jura. To mitigate these issues, he has started a négociant project, sourcing grapes from other regions, including Alsace. Fabrice's pragmatic approach results in terroir-transparent wines with remarkable energy and purity. Fabrice Dodane's journey into the world of wine began in the town of Beaune, where he studied the art of winemaking. His early career took root at the cooperative in Pupillin, providing him with experience before joining Domaine de Saint Pierre in 1989.
“In 2011, following the unfortunate passing of the estate’s owner, Fabrice had the opportunity to purchase Domaine de Saint Pierre.”
Since then, he has expanded the vineyards, currently cultivating 7.5 hectares in the Arbois and Côtes du Jura appellations. Fabrice embarked on the organic transition for the domain's vineyards in 2002. His commitment to sustainable practices reflects his dedication to both quality and environmental stewardship. From 2012 onwards, Fabrice refined his winemaking approach, minimising the use of sulphur to only when absolutely necessary. His wines are crafted with precision, using indigenous yeasts. Reds are fermented in stainless steel tanks, while whites are treated to the nuances of 400-600L oak puncheons. The white wines are aged either in the traditional sous voile (oxidative) method or the ouillé (topped-off or Burgundian) method. In response to the spring frosts in the Jura region, Fabrice has created the Le Dos d’Chat series, which he makes with grapes purchased from his friends who adhere to his standards.
