Les Pieds sur Terre (Valentin Morel)

What sets Morel apart from many other winemakers is how thoughtful and intellectual his approach is to farming. Morel believes that manual work (and especially farming) is undervalued in society, yet as much of an intellectual and political process as is being a lawyer - and he is fighting for a political change in his region that sees small farmers take more control over their fields and farms. He has even written a book about this called Un Autre Vin (only available in French currently), and the domain name Les Pieds Sur Terre - ‘feet on the ground’ - is a nod to this as well, but also is a phrase in French to mean a feeling of home, perhaps a nod to him returning to his family roots of winemaking rather than his legal career…

Valentin farms around 5 plots spread over about 6 hectares of vineyards in Poligny, where you will find all of the main Jura grape varieties: Chardonnay, Savagnin, Pinot Noir, Trousseau, Poulsard - but, he is also now working with several new hybrid varieties which are more resistant to disease and fungus. These are perhaps a touch less classic and more experimental than the wines made with the main Jura grape varieties, but Morel believes he (and other winemakers) must adapt and respond to the current environmental crises. He is extremely passionate about this cause, which will be explored further in a MORE Natural Wine short documentary in the future.

Soils of his Poligny plots are the typically Jurassic soil composed of marl, with vines that are on average between 40 to 45 years old, except from his Bois d'Arnaux vineyard. The Bois d'Arnaux is a younger plot planted by Valentin, with cuttings from Philippe Bornard for the Poulsard and Savagnin from Julien Labet. In the cellar, Morel believes in as little intervention as possible. Reds are destemmed, macerated and aged in stainless steel tanks, while the whites which are direct pressed, fermented and then aged in barriques. All wines are un-fined, unfiltered and are without sulphur additions. Les Pieds sur Terre wines are in demand, popular in the Paris winebars, expressive and known for their precision, minerality and finesse… all with a vibrant expression of Jura terroir.

What got Valentin Morel (of Les Pieds sur Terre) into winemaking?

Besides the typical story of the domain being passed down to the newest generation (which is also true in Morel's case!), he studied international law and politics, and believes manual work (especially farming) is a deeply intellectual and political act. He even wrote a book about this titled 'Un Autre Vin'.

What grapes does Les Pieds sur Terre work with?

Valentin Morel of Les Pieds sur Terre farms all of the typical Jura grape varieties: Poulsard, Trousseau, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Savagnin as well as several hybrid grape varieties, as he is passionate that hybrids are part of the solution to the current environmental crises affecting traditional grape varieties.

What is the terroir of Les Pieds sur Terre?

Morel farms about 6 hectares bwteeen several plots of vines in Poligny, in the Côtes de Jura appellation. Most of the vineyards are on hilly slopes, with typical Jura soils consisting of blue, red, and grey marl as well as clay-limestone.

What is Morel's winemaking philosophy?

Valentine Morel was greatly influenced by Rudolf Steiner, and so takes a very holistic approach to farming. In the cellar, he believes in as little intervention as possible, and does not fine, filter, or add any sulphites.

What is the best Les Pieds sur Terre wine?

Of course, this is subjective but we love the rose Alternatif Cremant du Jura, which is a direct press of Trousseau and Pinot Noir - elegant but somehow atypical of a Jura Cremant! The Chardonnay “Les Troullots” is also fantastic, with citrus and salty elements alongside amazing energy!