Yves Roy moved back to his hometown of Poligny at the age of 50 to start Domaine Nøvice. He worked for several years with the experienced winemaker Valentin Morel at Les Pieds sur Terre. There he learned the basics of winemaking and built his knowledge together with other winegrowers in the area. In 2019 it was time to stand on his own two feet – and Domaine Nøvice was born. He started with 2 hectares and then planted 3 hectares by 2021.

In the vineyards, Yves works organically and according to biodynamic principles. This means that they avoid synthetic pesticides and instead work with nature, not against it. All work is done by hand, and some of their vines are over 120 years old. They currently grow mainly Savagnin and Ploussard, but have recently planted Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Trousseau – grapes that are expected to yield a harvest from 2025.

Today, Nøvice is truly part of the new Jura that dares to work with a highly direct expression where the grapes, the location and the climate are allowed to speak for themselves. Fermentation takes place with natural yeast strains in large vats, without added sulfur or other chemicals. The wines are then allowed to rest for about a year in old barrels, and are bottled without clarification or filtration. Everything is done carefully and without rushing. For Yves, winemaking is not about controlling the process – but about listening to what the vintage and nature want to tell you.

Photo: Aimery Chenin