2017 Domaine des Murmures L’Éphémère Vin de France Rouge 750ml

The 2017 Domaine des Murmures L’Éphémère Vin de France Rouge 750ml is a mythical natural Jura masterpiece. Furthermore, visionary vigneron Emmanuel Houillon crafts microscopic quantities of wine with uncompromising, radical artisanal devotion. Consequently, this rare allocation commands legendary status and fervent global pursuit among elite wine collectors. Every single bottle offers an extraordinary vision of pure, site-expressive Poulsard.

Additionally, the cool 2017 harvest delivered fruit of breathtaking crystalline energy, wild floral perfume, and bright tension. Meanwhile, Houillon’s non-interventionist cellar philosophy produced weightless silkiness and haunting whole-cluster depth without added sulfur. Therefore, this singular release stands as an essential centerpiece for discerning natural wine collectors.

Terroir & Viticulture

The fruit originates from historical old-vine Poulsard parcels situated on steep limestone hillsides in the Jura. Specifically, this parcel features stony limestone scree mixed with iron-rich clay topsoil. The ancient vines dig deep root systems into fractured Bajocian limestone bedrock to absorb subterranean minerals. As a result, the fruit achieves complete physiological ripeness alongside vibrant natural tartaric acidity.

Meanwhile, Emmanuel Houillon manages the vines with strict biodynamic disciplines and painstaking manual labor. He avoids all synthetic chemical treatments to foster living, microbiological biodiversity throughout the vineyard rows. Furthermore, severe winter pruning and natural millerandage restrict yields to minuscule levels across every row. Thus, each grape cluster captures the authentic, stony identity of this celebrated terroir.

Vinification & Craftsmanship

In the cellar, Houillon champions an uncompromising approach to natural, whole-cluster vinification. First, workers harvest the pristine Poulsard grapes entirely by hand with rigorous table sorting at dawn. Subsequently, the uncrushed whole clusters undergo spontaneous fermentation with native yeasts in open wooden vats. Crucially, Houillon vinifies completely without added sulfur dioxide to safeguard sheer aromatic transparency.

Moreover, the wine matures for roughly eighteen to twenty months in seasoned French oak barrels. The neutral wood allows gentle micro-oxygenation while fully respecting the wine’s delicate floral perfume. Furthermore, the cellar relies strictly on gravity, avoiding mechanical pumping and aggressive filtration. Finally, Houillon hand-bottles each vessel without fining or added sulfites.

Tasting Notes

In the glass, L’Éphémère displays a luminous, translucent ruby robe with brilliant reflections. Immediately, the nose opens with soaring aromas of wild field strawberry, red raspberry, and pomegranate. In addition, exotic undertones of Damascus rose petals, sandalwood, Asian five-spice, and crushed chalk unfold.

On the palate, the wine showcases spectacular agility, spherical volume, and energetic drive. However, an incisive spine of limestone freshness frames the bright red fruit core with precision. Consequently, the finish lingers for minutes with echoes of blood orange, graphite, and savory salinity. Ultimately, it leaves an unforgettable impression of effortless nobility and weightless power.

Technical Specifications

• Producer: Domaine des Murmures (Emmanuel Houillon)
• Winemaker: Emmanuel Houillon
• Appellation: Vin de France (Jura, France)
• Cuvée: L’Éphémère Rouge
• Varietal: 100% Poulsard
• Farming: Certified Biodynamic & Organic Principles (Manual Vineyard Care)
• Vinification: 100% Whole-Cluster, Native Yeasts, Zero Added SO2
• Oak Program: ~18–20 Months in Neutral French Oak Barrels
• Clarification: Unfined & Unfiltered
• Vintage: 2017
• Volume: 750ml

Service & Cellar Potential

Serve this expressive Poulsard between 14°C and 16°C (57°F–61°F) in large Burgundy stemware. Specifically, uncork the bottle 45 minutes prior to service to let the intricate perfume awaken. Therefore, gentle aeration allows the delicate floral and spice layers to expand completely.

Pair this wine with roasted squab, milk-fed veal chops with chanterelles, or pan-seared duck breast. Furthermore, its fine-grained tannins and bright acidity ensure superb endurance. As a result, collectors can enjoy this bottle today or cellar it safely through 2035+.