Domaine Macle
Domaine Macle seems to have fallen out of time - just like the wines it produces. They are among the great classics of France. The Macle family, who once immigrated from Italy and were originally called Madscolino, have been producing grapes in the Jura since the 1850s. However, it was not until 1966 that Jean Macle founded the winery in the small, high-altitude village of Château-Chalon, which is famous for its Vin Jaunes. Today, 19 hectares are under vines there. It is mainly Savagnin, the original form of Traminer, which is rooted here in the marnes grises, the grey limestone of the Lias.
Domaine Macle exclusively produces the classic Jura style of oxidised wines, which - similar to sherry - are matured under flor yeast, but unlike sherry, are not fortified. The most famous Vin Jaune bears the name of the village itself: "Château-Chalon". This wine is bottled in the unique "Clavelin" bottles, which contain 62 cl. The reason for this lies in the oxidative ageing process: during the ageing period of six years and three months, around 13 cl evaporate, meaning that the wine is not bottled in the classic 75 cl bottles.
In addition to the "Château-Chalon", another famous wine is produced, simply called "Côtes du Jura". It is also matured oxidatively under flor, but "only" for four years. It is also a blend of around 80% Chardonnay and 20% Savagnin, for which Laurent Macle uses the wine from Château-Chalon, which is not expressive enough for the Vin Jaune. The "Côtes du Jura" is accessible earlier, somewhat rounder and easier to understand right from the start, but nevertheless matures superbly over decades.
© Images: Domaine Macle
