Château d’Arlay: The Oldest Wine Château in France
Château d’Arlay, located in the Jura region of Burgundy-Franche-Comté, is renowned as France’s oldest wine-producing château, with a rich history dating back to the 9th century. The current château was built in the 17th century on the ruins of an ancient medieval fortress, but its winemaking roots go back much further. The estate was once a possession of the Counts of Chalon-Arlay and the Princes of Orange before the Laguiche family took over management in the 20th century. Today, it stands as a symbol of historic winemaking in Jura, producing exceptional wines that reflect the unique terroir of this mountainous region.
Terroir and Vineyards
Spanning 25 hectares, the vineyards of Château d’Arlay are located on the limestone slopes of the Jura Mountains, benefiting from a mix of limestone and marl soils and an ideal continental climate. The high altitude and cool conditions allow the estate to produce wines with great freshness and mineral-driven qualities, typical of Jura’s unique terroir. The vineyards are organically farmed, with a focus on preserving the biodiversity of the region. Savagnin, Chardonnay, Poulsard, Trousseau, and Pinot Noir are the main varieties cultivated at the estate.
The geology of the region, with its Jurassic limestone, plays a significant role in imparting a distinctive flinty minerality to the wines. This is especially true for Château d’Arlay’s Savagnin and Chardonnay-based wines, which express the vibrant acidity and structured complexity for which Jura is known. The estate also produces red wines from Poulsard and Trousseau, which thrive in these rocky soils.
Iconic Wines and Unique Winemaking Techniques
Château d’Arlay is world-renowned for its production of Vin Jaune, one of Jura’s most celebrated and distinct wines. Made from Savagnin grapes, Vin Jaune is aged for a minimum of 6 years and 3 months in oak barrels under a layer of yeast (called voile), which protects the wine from oxidation while imparting unique flavors of walnut, dried fruit, curry spices, and toasted nuts. This long aging process is a hallmark of Vin Jaune production and reflects Jura’s deep-rooted winemaking traditions.
The estate also produces Vin de Paille, a rare dessert wine made from grapes dried on straw mats, concentrating the sugar and flavors. Château d’Arlay’s Pinot Noir and Trousseau wines are lighter in body, with delicate red fruit aromas and earthy, spicy undertones, perfectly reflecting the Jura terroir.
Another unique product is Macvin du Jura, a traditional fortified wine that is a blend of grape must and Marc (pomace brandy), aged in oak barrels to create a rich, sweet wine with flavors of ripe fruit, honey, and spice.
Historical and Cultural Heritage
Château d’Arlay is more than just a winery—it is a cultural and historical landmark. The château itself has been carefully restored and is now open to the public for tours, where visitors can explore its historic cellars, learn about its ancient winemaking techniques, and taste a range of its award-winning wines. The estate also boasts beautifully manicured gardens that date back to the 18th century, with a variety of plants and trees that reflect the château’s long history.
Sustainable Practices
The Laguiche family is committed to sustainable viticulture, adhering to organic farming methods that avoid synthetic chemicals and focus on preserving the natural ecosystem of the estate. This sustainable approach ensures that the wines are not only reflective of the terroir but also produced in harmony with the environment.
