Domaine de Lahaye: minerality and finesse in the heart of Jura

The story of Domaine de Lahaye began in 2003 when Jean-Pierre Tissot and his son Guillaume decided to establish the vineyard at the foot of Château Chalon's rocky cliffs, a historical site in the Jura wine region. Jean-Pierre, a seasoned winemaker since the 1970s with his own vineyard in Nevy-sur-Seille, passed down his extensive knowledge and passion for viticulture to Guillaume, who grew up among the vines. Guillaume complemented his upbringing with formal education at the École des Vins de Beaune, earning a BTS in commerce. After his studies and gaining viticultural and vinification experience in the Gard and Jura regions, Guillaume returned in 2000 to work alongside his father. In 2016, upon Jean-Pierre's retirement, Guillaume took over the reins of the estate, continuing a family tradition that spans eight generations of winemaking.

Available directly from the estate on Avenue des Vins.

How does Guillaume tend the estate today?

Sustainable viticulture on Château Chalon terroirs

Today, Guillaume meticulously manages Domaine de Lahaye, practicing sustainable viticulture to produce grapes that best express the unique terroirs of the region. On clay-limestone soils and blue marl, characteristic of the Château Chalon appellation, he cultivates four emblematic grape varieties, including native Jura varieties: Savagnin and Chardonnay for the white wines, and Pinot Noir and Poulsard for the reds. A true enthusiast, Guillaume goes beyond the ordinary to offer high-quality wines, recognized by major French wine guides and professional competitions.

How would you describe the style of your wines?

Minerality, finesse and easy-drinking reds

For Guillaume, respect for the environment is fundamental, but so is the quality of his wines. The style of his wines?

Our wines are characterized by a beautiful minerality and great finesse for the whites, while our reds are fruity and relatively easy to drink,

explains Guillaume.

What makes the Château Chalon vin jaune so distinctive?

A cuvée aged under a veil in its clavelin

One such wine is their Château Chalon 2011, an exceptional cuvée aged under a veil for six years. This method involves leaving an air gap in the barrel, allowing the wine to naturally protect itself with a yeast veil. Additionally, this 100% Savagnin wine is presented in a clavelin, a distinctive 62 cl bottle reserved for this type of wine, as 40% of the wine is lost during racking. With its characteristic golden-yellow hue, this wine impresses with its intense nose of hazelnut and almond, and its flavors of fresh walnut with lovely spicy and menthol notes. Served between 12 and 15°C, it pairs perfectly with Jura Comté cheese, foie gras, or chicken with yellow wine and morels.

What can you tell us about the Macvin?

A gourmet aperitif and a chilling tip

In a different style, their Macvin is a delightful aperitif wine made by blending 2/3 unfermented grape juice with about 1/3 Jura marc aged for two years in oak barrels. This 100% Chardonnay wine, with its aromas of mirabelle plum, yellow fruits, and floral notes (acacia, linden), can be enjoyed very chilled on its own or mixed with a splash of Crémant. It pairs beautifully with melon and prosciutto, blue cheeses (Roquefort, Bleu), chocolate desserts, or walnut ice cream. To chill the wine without diluting it, Guillaume suggests adding frozen grapes to the glass, a tasty and elegant touch!

And what about the red wines?

A fruity Pinot Noir from the Côtes du Jura

As for their red wines, the Côtes du Jura 2016 is a wine made exclusively from Pinot Noir. Thanks to manual destemming (removing the stems to retain only the grape berries and eliminate unpleasant vegetal flavors) and carbonic maceration (fermenting whole berries without crushing to extract maximum primary aromas), this red wine delights with its cassis, cherry, and blueberry aromas, complemented by subtle spicy notes and soft tannins. Perfect with roast beef or white meats, this wine can be cellared for about five years.

Can visitors come and taste your wines?

A warm welcome in the Jura vineyard

If you're traveling through the Jura wine region, make sure to stop by Domaine de Lahaye! Guillaume will be delighted to welcome you and share his wines with you.

Discover the wines of Domaine de Lahaye directly from the estate, at the estate price, in a short supply chain on Avenue des Vins.

Frequently asked questions about Domaine de Lahaye

Where is Domaine de Lahaye located?

This family estate lies in the Jura, at the foot of the Château Chalon cliff, a listed site among the region's landmark vineyards. It spans roughly 6.80 hectares of vines.

Which grape varieties does Guillaume Tissot grow?

Four varieties are planted on clay-limestone soils and blue marl. Savagnin and Chardonnay go into the whites, while Pinot Noir and Poulsard are kept for the reds.

What is vin jaune and how should you serve it?

This 100% Savagnin white ages for years beneath a veil of yeast, giving notes of walnut, hazelnut and almond. Poured at around 12 to 15°C, it suits Comté cheese or chicken with morels.

Why is vin jaune sold in a 62 cl bottle?

The unusual format, called a clavelin, reflects what remains from a litre after ageing. A large share of the volume evaporates during the years the wine spends under its yeast veil.

Does Domaine de Lahaye farm its vines sustainably?

Guillaume Tissot follows sustainable viticulture and puts respect for the environment at the heart of his work. The aim is grapes that faithfully convey the terroirs of the Château Chalon appellation.