Domaine Overnoy-Houillon
ドメーヌ・オヴェルノワ=ウイヨン
Natural wine's founding father: zero-sulfur Jura wines that redefined what wine can be
Domaine Overnoy-Houillon is one of the most legendary estates in natural winemaking. Pierre Overnoy, a visionary of the Jura, pioneered the use of zero added sulfur in his wines starting in the 1970s, long before 'natural wine' became a movement. His son-in-law Emmanuel Houillon has carried the torch since the early 2000s, maintaining the same radical non-interventionist philosophy. Based in Pupillin, a tiny village within the Arbois appellation celebrated for its exceptional limestone and clay soils, the estate produces minuscule quantities of Chardonnay (often aged en ouillé, keeping barrels full to prevent oxidation) and Poulsard (the quintessential light-bodied Jura red). These wines are among the most sought-after in the world of natural wine, frequently fetching prices far above their appellation classification.
Cuvées
アルボワ・ピュピラン シャルドネ
Arbois Pupillin Chardonnay
WhiteChardonnay
The Overnoy-Houillon Arbois Pupillin Chardonnay is a legendary expression of Jura viticulture, crafted by Emmanuel Houillon and the late Pierre Overnoy. This wine is produced with minimal intervention, eschewing added sulfites to allow the pure expression of the terroir to shine. It is characterized by its oxidative nuance, profound depth, and vibrant acidity. The palate reveals complex layers of yellow fruits, nuts, and a distinct mineral salinity that defines the unique limestone-rich soils of Pupillin. Aged in old oak barrels using the 'ouillage' method (keeping barrels full), it avoids the ultra-oxidative character of Jura Savagnin under voile, while still developing astonishing complexity. It is a rare, highly sought-after bottle that represents the pinnacle of natural winemaking.
アルボワ・ピュピラン プルサール
Arbois Pupillin Poulsard
RedPoulsard
This iconic wine is produced by Emmanuel Houillon at Domaine Overnoy-Houillon in the Pupillin commune of Jura. Poulsard — the quintessential Jura grape — is fermented and aged without any added sulfur, showcasing the pure, unadulterated expression of this unique variety. It is characterized by its hauntingly pale ruby color, delicate aromas of wild red berries, forest floor, and a distinct savory, earthy complexity. On the palate, it is light-bodied yet incredibly vibrant, with silky near-absent tannins and a persistent, mineral-driven finish that reflects the unique limestone soils of Pupillin. For those who think they don't like red wine, this wine has converted thousands.
Who Is This For?
For devoted natural wine collectors and serious Jura enthusiasts who appreciate radical minimalism and extraordinary terroir expression
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who is Pierre Overnoy?
- Pierre Overnoy is widely considered the godfather of natural wine, pioneering zero-sulfur winemaking in Jura's Pupillin village from the 1970s.
- Who now runs Domaine Overnoy-Houillon?
- Emmanuel Houillon, Pierre Overnoy's son-in-law, has led the domaine since the early 2000s, maintaining the same no-sulfur, non-interventionist philosophy.
- Why are these wines so hard to find?
- Production is extremely limited to a few hectares in Pupillin, and global demand from natural wine collectors far exceeds supply, making allocation nearly impossible.