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.

The organic/biodynamic 25 hectare property (62 acres) is planted with an average of 60 year old vines of Poulsard / Trousseau / Pinot Noir for the reds and Chardonnay / Savagnin for the whites. 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. Fresh, complex with amazing ageing potential wines are thus produced. Annual production is approximately 90,000 bottles.

Co-fermentation of the five indigenous varietals (poulsard, trousseau, pinot noir, chardonnay and savagnin) like it used to be done in Jura ages ago. This ancient custom has disappeared except at Château d'Arlay where they are, to-date, the only one left to perpetuate this tradition. All the grapes are vatted together: 60% pinot noir, 20% poulsard, 5% trousseau, 10% chardonnay, and 5 % savagnin). After a ten day maceration, the wine is sent to used oak barrels for three years. The wine is not filtered.

Spicy light red colour, almost like a rosé, with an slightly oxydative nose of fresh rose, raspberries, earthy spices. The wine carried by a vibrand acidity and light tannins that makes it very enjoyable to drink. It is definitely a bit off the beaten path.