Regarded as the oldest winemaking château in France, Château d’Arlay has, in the past, been home to Minim friars and the Countess of Lauragais to name just a couple. In 1960, the Count of Laguiche decided that the château should make wine once again like it used to in the Middle-Ages. His son Alain has now handed over the reins to his own son Pierre-Armand. THe estate follows a very modern approach to vinifications but chooses a more traditional style when it comes to the ageing of the wines. The wines are matured in the magnificent cellars of the Château that date back to the 17th century. There are around 22 hectares of vines that are planted to Pinot Noir, Trousseau, Poulsard, Chardonnay and Savignin. The vines are situated on slopes at an altitude of 200 to 240 metres. Some of the vines are relatively old, planted in 1953. This domain has an organic approach but does not possess certification. One of the icons of the Jura, the wines of Château d’Arlay are a must try!

This vin jaune is from old Savagnin vines grown biodynamically in grey marl soil. It owes its name to the unusual maturation process it undergoes for 7 years, without ouillage or the addition of sulphites. During this process, sounds waves are diffused from speakers attached to each barrel – this occurs twice a day, at 7am and 7pm for 10 minutes across the space of a month. And the results are quite clear – the voile is more stimulated, the volatile acidity weaker, the alcohol level slightly higher and particular aromas revealed. There are also notes of flowers, fleshy fruits, honey, and a lovely tannic base with excellent ageing potential.