Domaine du Pélican purchased this parcel of Grand Curoulet in 2012 from Jean-Marc Brignot. Prior to Brignot, it was owned by Robert Aviet, a well-known name in Arbois.

Grand Curoulet is one of the very best terroirs of Arbois. It is a North-facing parcel located on the side of a hill that dominates Arbois and the plaine de la Saône. Grand Curoulet is also believed to be where the first vines of Arbois were planted. Due to its North facing exposition and windy location, Grand Curoulet usually matures later than the other terroirs of Domaine du Pélican.

Domaine du Pélican’s parcel of Grand Curoulet is just under 5 hectares in size. The original plan in 2012 was to salvage the parcel’s many 60+ years vines but after one vintage, it became clear that the parcel needed to be rehabilitated and that salvaging the old vines was not going to be possible. The following year, the process to uproot the entire parcel started.

The parcel was replanted in 2015 with Savagnin (two thirds) and Chardonnay (one third). Savagnin was the predominant planting since Grand Curoulet is a terroir that is better suited for Savagnin. The soil is made of grey marls (about half the parcel) and multi-colored marls (green and red) from the Triassic period. These are the oldest marls found in the Jura.

At harvest, the grapes are lightly crushed before being pressed and fermentation is in foudres and barrels. One third of the crop macerates on the skins for one night before being pressed. Aging is in 500L barrels with no new oak.