Wine Tours in France - Jura
A wonderful vineyard to visit in the Jura is the Chateau d’Arlay, situated in the small town of Arlay, in between Lons-le-Saunier and Poligny. The chateau has so much to offer that it’s well worth allocating a few hours for a visit. Visitors are welcome to bring a picnic.
Chateau d’Arlay
As well as making wonderful wines, including the famous Vin Jaune (yellow wine) of the Jura, the chateau offers tours in English both of the exquisite interior, and the extensive park, one the few French parks which still has visible traces of terraces and groves created in the 17th century in the heart of a medieval castle.
Listed as the oldest chateau-vineyard in France, Chateau d’Arlay has been in the hands of the Comtes de Laguiche for centuries. If you are in luck you may well meet the charming current comte, Comte Alain.
Tour prices start at €6.50.
There’s a fantastic range of wines to taste and buy, as you can see. Prices start at around €9.
Click here to visit the chateau's amazing website, which is packed full of interesting information.
Duras is a compact wine region of approximately 2000 hectares due however to the location of a number of the vineyards most visitors will fnd that a guided tour is beneficial in discovering this region. If you enjoy Bordeaux-style red and white wines then you are going to be very pleasantly surprised by both the quality and value for money.
A ONE DAY TOUR - DURAS
This one day tour in the AOC regions of Duras takes in:
- Vineyard 1 - wine centre visit with tastings from the region
- Vineyard 2 - tasting of exceptional vineyard wines
- Lunch - an outdoor cafe lunch in Duras
- Vineyard 3 - winery and vineyard inspection and tasting of award-winning wines
Our Vineyard Selection
La Maison des Vins de Duras
RD 668 - 47120 DURAS, France
Tel: 05 53 20 20 70 Fax: 05 53 20 82 85
Website: www.cotesdeduras.com
E-mail: contact@cotesdeduras.com
La Maison des Vins de Duras was established to represent and showcase Duras and the excellence of their wines and enjoys the support of a large number (160 representations) of the 208 Duras growers. The display and wine education facilities at the cave at La Maison des Vins de Duras are excellent and most certainly worth a visit. The range of wines is totally representative of the Duras wine region and of a high quality. The tastings available vary from day to day with different producers being featured.
Reviewed:
Domaine St. Nazaire Sauvignon Blanc 2007 12.5% alc 3.60€
In the glass a light yellow with a very aromatic nose of oranges while the palate has tones of tropical fruit, acacia and lychees. The finish is clean and off-dry. Drink now and enjoy with seafood and shellfish.
Domaine de Lamonthe Cotes de Duras 2005 13% alc 3.30€
A blend of 50% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon and 25% Cabernet Franc from 25-year-old vines that was fermented and matured in stainless steel tanks. In the glass a deep red with a nose of tobacco and spices. The palate is complex and long with tones of ripe fruit and good smooth tannins that leave a pleasant after taste. Ready to drink and great with red meats and cheeses.
Domaine du Vieux Bourg Rouge 2005 12.5% alc. 10.00€
A blend of hand-picked grapes from 75% Cabernet Sauvignon and 25% Merlot that was matured in small oak barrels. A deep red colour with bright flashes. A nose of red fruit and wild herbs while the palate is of raspberries, black cherries, oak and old leather. A long finish of of ripe berry fruits that make it ideal to drink with lamb and veal.
47120 Duras Tel. 05.53.93.20.20 Email : patrick.blancheton@wanadoo.fr The Chateau Molhiere vineyard is a family property present operated by the two Blancheton brothers and has been in the family for generations. Vigneron Indépendant members, they are envolved in all aspects from growing to marketing. The vineyard is mainly Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc and Sauvignon Gris grapes with production in an on-site winery that embraces traditional methods along with modern technology. The cave is pleasant and inviting with a warm welcome.
Reviewed: Chateau Moilhere Sauvignon Blanc 2005 oak aged 13.5% alc. 8.00 € Chateau Molhiere Terroir des Duras 2005 13% alc. 5.00 €
Ian and Jacky Chater Take 9.5 hectares of fine Duras grape terroir with Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and add in parcels of Sauvignon Blanc grapes and mix with heaps of passion and new world technology, and you have the recipe of the award-winning Domaine Chater. Iain and Jacky Chater have in a short time produced award-winning wines as well as converting the estate to organic production. So join us for a tasting of their wines. Reviewed: Chater Dry White Sauvignon Blanc 2005 13.5% 6.00€ Chater Oak-aged Sauvignon Blanc 2004 12% 10.00€ Chater Oak Rose 2005 13% 5.00€ ROUGES Chater Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon 2004 13% 6.00€ Chater Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 13.5% 7.50€ Chater Oak-aged Merlot/Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 14% 15.00€
|