Domaine Macle winery
Domaine Macle, located in the village of Château-Chalon in France’s Jura region, stands as one of the most respected names in the production of traditional Jura wines. The domaine was established by Laurent Macle’s father, Roger Macle, in 1966, and has remained a family-run operation ever since. The estate covers just over 12 hectares, with the majority of vineyards situated on the steep, limestone-rich slopes that define the Château-Chalon appellation. This terroir, combined with meticulous vineyard management, enables Domaine Macle to produce wines of exceptional character and longevity.
The domaine is particularly celebrated for its Vin Jaune, a unique style of wine produced exclusively in the Jura. Made from the Savagnin grape, Vin Jaune undergoes an extended aging process under a veil of yeast, known as “voile,” in small oak barrels for a minimum of six years and three months. This technique imparts complex aromas of walnuts, spices, and curry, resulting in a wine of remarkable intensity and aging potential. Domaine Macle’s Vin Jaune is considered a benchmark for the style, consistently earning acclaim for its purity, depth, and expression of terroir.
In addition to Vin Jaune, Domaine Macle produces a range of other wines that showcase the diversity of Jura’s indigenous grape varieties and winemaking traditions. Their Château-Chalon AOC, made exclusively from Savagnin, is prized for its elegance and capacity to age gracefully. The domaine also crafts white wines from Chardonnay and blends of Chardonnay and Savagnin, offering a spectrum of styles from fresh and mineral-driven to oxidative and richly textured. These wines are vinified with minimal intervention, using natural yeasts and traditional methods that emphasize the distinctiveness of each vineyard parcel.
Red wines from Domaine Macle are produced in smaller quantities, primarily from the Poulsard and Trousseau grape varieties. These reds are noted for their light color, vibrant acidity, and delicate, earthy flavors, providing a compelling counterpoint to the region’s more famous whites. The domaine’s commitment to low yields, manual harvesting, and sustainable practices ensures that each bottle reflects the unique qualities of the Jura landscape.
Today, Laurent Macle is at the helm of the domaine, continuing the family’s dedication to quality and authenticity. Under his guidance, Domaine Macle has maintained its reputation for producing wines that are both true to tradition and expressive of their origin. The domaine’s limited production and unwavering focus on excellence have made their wines highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts around the world.
Domaine Macle’s philosophy centers on respect for the land, careful stewardship of the vines, and a deep understanding of the region’s winemaking heritage. Whether through their iconic Vin Jaune, classic Château-Chalon, or distinctive red wines, Domaine Macle offers a profound glimpse into the soul of Jura, capturing the essence of one of France’s most intriguing and historic wine regions.