Around Lons-le-Saunier

Château-Chalon, Etoile and the southern Côtes du Jura
By Wink Lorch

This Guide was last updated on 19 August 2011
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Wine producers to visit

Domaine de Montbourgeau

Address: Montbourgeau, 39570 L'Etoile
Tel: 03 84 47 32 96  Fax: 03 84 24 41 44
Email: domaine.montbourgeau@wanadoo.fr
Web: www.vin-du-jura.com
Geo-coordinates:  Latitude: 46:43:12N (46.71991)    Longitude: 5:31:41E (5.52798) 

A classic gravel driveway leads up to the château on a hillside just outside the village of l'Etoile. Nicole Dériaux has been at the 8-ha estate for over twenty years, taking over gradually from her late Father, Jean Gros, a great pioneer of the region. Nicole keeps up traditions with a resolutely traditional winemaking style with all the wines being made in an oxidative style. The largest production is of the sparkling Crémant du Jura and the straight l'Etoile - an appley, Chardonnay with good weight and a shock of crisp acidity. Both have a good following in the USA where they are imported by Neal Rosenthal. Excellent, classic Vin Jaune is made here too. For a taste of ultra-traditional Jura, this is THE place to visit.

Useful information: Preferably telephone in advance for an appointment. Groups up to 25 accepted, usually without charge (they prefer you to buy). Very little English spoken.