Chateau-Chalon
Château-Chalon is a wine-growing bijou, standing like a sentry on the edge of the Revermont region.
Château Chalon – an impregnable site, gastronomy and vineyards
Château-Chalon is a wine-growing bijou, standing like a sentry on the edge of the Revermont region. The cradle of famous ‘vin jaune’, the village looks out over its vineyards from its perch on top of a cliff. The village grew up around a castle and a Benedictine abbey, and remains of the keep and Romanesque church of Saint-Pierre can still be seen. Château-Chalon is a delightful place, the author Bernard Clavel thought so too and lived and found inspiration here for several years ! Its impregnable position and charming village centre give it undeniable character. Today classed as one of the « Petites Cités Comtoises de Caractère » and « Loveliest Villages in France », the view from the village reveals a panorama as wonderful as the attractions themselves.
Famous Vin Jaune du Jura
Guardian of the wine-growing region, a major venue in the wine-growing history of Jura, the village gave its name to one of the finest wines in the world, the divine, amber-coloured Château-Chalon (AOC). Vin jaune, known in bygone days as a «vin de garde» (wine for laying down), is made from a single grape variety : Savagnin. The 50 hectares of the AOC (PDO) area are spread over the villages of Château-Chalon, Ménétru-le-Vignoble, Domblans and Nevy-sur-Seille.
The character of Vin jaune is linked on the one hand to the soil and the variety of grape, and on the other hand to the special way it is made. During the ageing period in oak barrels for a minimum of 6 years and 3 months, part of the wine evaporates (the angel’s share). A yeast coating forms on the surface, preventing oxidation and giving the famous « goût de jaune (yellow taste)». The mysterious, precious wine is bottled in a special 62cl bottles called ‘clavelins’.
Started in 1997 the Percée du Vin Jaune is held the first weekend in February in a different wine-producing village of Jura every year. It is a grand celebration in honour of this remarkable wine, at the very moment when the barrels are pierced after the ageing period of 6 years and 3 months. Take time to stroll through this gorgeous village with its little shops, wine cellars and delicious places to eat.
A journey back in time
Go into the « Ecole d’autrefois (School of Yesteryear) » to discover the atmosphere, furniture and teaching material from the years 1884-1939. Rediscover the joy of writing with a quill pen. Look at pupils’ exercise books, textbooks and documents kept by the schoolmaster/mistress of the time. There are some lovely walks around the vineayrds and surrounding villages too.
Cycle touring and mountain biking can be done in the area but require a lot of effort due to the hilly terrain ! After such demanding exercise, there is nothing better than relaxing with a glass of vin jaune at a pavement café while watching the sunset – sheer bliss ! Château-Chalon is a little gem, but there are other delightful villages nearby like Baume les Messieurs and Ladoye sur Seille, pretty little places at the bottom of a valley with a river running though, one with an abbey and caves to visit too. Château-Chalon is definitely an essential place to visit on your discovery tour of the Jura!
Discover other Gites de France destinations in the Jura : the spa town of Lons le Saulnier, the art and History town of Dole, Lac de Vouglans"
