We will be traveling to the mid region of the Jura (Coteaux de la Haute-Seille) and I am trying to find a home base area that would have availability of local bars and restaurants at night. Any ideas would be appreciated.
Posted by
Portland, Maine
2916 posts
We rented a house in Brainans (about 20-25 minutes from Chateau-Chalon), but there were no commercial establishments within walking distance (which was fine with us). We visited Chateau-Chalon, and while it is beautiful, I don't remember seeing any restaurants or hotels. There are mostly very small towns in the area, w/o hotels, bars, restaurants, etc. Your best bet might be Poligny, which is about 20 minutes from C-C; from what I remember there are several restaurants, and lots of wine tasting rooms.
Posted by
London, United Kingdom
4684 posts
Note that the wine in Chateau-Chalon is... weird. It's like non-fortified fino sherry. I happen to like it myself, but it's a very distinctive taste that you may not.
Posted by
Portland, Maine
2916 posts
I'll certainly second that Phillip. It's a style that seems somewhat unique to Jura wines -- oxidized, sherry-like wines. I find them interesting, but wouldn't want to drink them every day.
Posted by
L'Occitanie, France
10196 posts
Are you referring to the unique vin de paille, where the grapes are left to dry on straw before being processed? Remember that this area was under Spanish rule for a while, which may be where this comes from. This wine is a bit pricey outside the Jura--lucky you to be able to pair it with the local food.
Posted by
Portland, Maine
2916 posts
I was actually referring to Vin Jaune, which is also pretty unique. Not quite as pricey as Vin de Paille, but not cheap.