Jura, France
Château d'Arlay
This historic property is best known for its distinctive vin jaune made from the white grape Savagnin. Vin jaune is an oxidative wine that matures in cask for at least six years under a film of yeast. The speciality appears on the wine lists of top restaurants around the world.
Château d’Arlay was established by the Count of Chalon-Arlay, Prince of Orange, at the foot of an imposing fort that dates back to the High Middle Ages. Count Alain de Laguiche owns the château and winery today.
Old vines on a sunny, south-facing hillside
Comprising 30 hectares of gently sloping vineyard land, the estate is situated on the edge of France’s Bresse region, not far from the Jura foothills. The vines on the property have an average age of 50 years and grow on fossil-bearing limestone and rich marl soils. They enjoy plenty of sunshine as well as protection from northerly winds thanks to their south-facing hillside location. The estate’s cultivation practices are increasingly organic, albeit not certified-organic. The wines are made in an old barrel cellar dating back to the 17th century.
Culturally important
Château d’Arlay is one of the most famed producers in the French Jura. Its distinctive, unique speciality, vin jaune, constitutes an important piece of winemaking heritage. Vin jaune matures under a film of yeast that grows on the surface of the wine, developing oxidative aromas reminiscent of the flor-induced characters of Manzanilla and Fino sherry.
