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.