2017 Château d'Arlay "Corail" Rouge, Jura, France
Château d'Arlay is a historic estate in the Jura region, one of the 40 members of the prestigious Académie du Vin de France. The oldest wine château in France, its ambition has always been to produce wines of tradition and ageing, where the notes of the terroir are expressed with elegance.
ABOUT THIS WINE
This red blend, of all the varietals allowed in the Jura, is quirky but sophisticated, exuberant but balanced. Aromas of rustic terra cotta pots, wild fruits du bois and geranium lead to a light and cheerful palate that finishes with achingly complex waves of gentle tannin, bright fruit notes and something savory and subtle. Pair this stunner with lighter fare, especially South Asian or Mediterranean but make no mistake, this wine can be enjoyed all on its own (well maybe with friends, if you're feeling like sharing)
ABOUT THIS PRODUCER
The grey marl of the Lias subsoil and southern exposure, unusual in the region, contribute to the elegance and minerality of the estate. The vines, most of them planted in 1953 and 1974, as well as their work in reasoned, organic and biodynamic viticulture, privileging indigenous yeasts, perfectly express the nobility of this château and this terroir, reputed to be the oldest wine château in France. A must-see tourist, cultural and oenological stopover located in the heart of the Jura, the Château d'Arlay has the particularity of having always been transmitted by inheritance since its foundation in the Middle Ages until today, and of being considered as the oldest wine château in France. This land was in turn owned by the Counts of Burgundy and the Chalon-Arlay - the most powerful family in Comte - followed by the Princes of Orange, Counts of Nassau, Princes of Isenghien and Arenberg, Marquis of Vogüé, and Counts of Laguiche. The wines of the domain are now exported on the 5 continents and benefit from an international reputation, such as its Vin Jaune classified among the 100 best wines of the world.