Oldest Castle Vineyard of France, Château d’Arlay has remained in the same family for over 1,000 years. It was owned, at different times, by the Kings of England, then Spain and finally France. Count Alain de Laguiche has been at the helm of Château d’Arlay since the early 1980s.
Certified organic, the 25 hectare property is planted with old vines of Poulsard, Trousseau, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Savagnin. The rich and complex terroir is composed of limestone and various marls. Their southern facing vines benefit from maximum maturity and are protected from northern winds by the hill and the ruins of the medieval castle.
The estate is renowned for its traditional wine-making and long oak barrel ageing. Indigenous yeasts are used for the fermentations, and the juices are transported by gravity, with gentle extractions and long macerations to follow. The use of sulphites is judicious and no other inputs, or interventionist techniques are used. Fresh, complex with amazing ageing potential wines are thus produced. Annual production is approximately 90,000 bottles.
Wine Essentials
