Producer Article
Les Chais du Vieux Bourg
Last edited on 3/24/2022 by Paul852
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In 2014 Les Chais du Vieux Bourg was renamed Lulu Vigneron to mark its conversion to 100% organic viticulture. Ludwig Bindernagel is known to his friends and colleagues as Lulu, so this affectionate nickname was the natural choice for the winery.
Ludwig Bindernagel, from Bavaria, and Nathalie Eigenschenck, from Paris, are relative newcomers to the wine world. Neither of them had any experience or formal education as winemakers prior to opening their own winery, nor did they come from vigneron families.
Ludwig studied viticulture remotely while working as an architect in Paris, and ultimately decided to leave to pursue his passion for viticulture and wine production. Ludwig had fallen in love with Burgundy, and initially hoped to purchase land there. However, due to financial constraints, the family found that the Jura proved significantly better suited for them. This led to the purchase of Les Chais du Vieux Bourg (now Lulu Vigneron) in 2000. Their first vintage came shortly after in 2002.
The original vineyard is about 2.5 hectares in Arlay, in the center of the Jura. It has expanded to include vineyards at Poligny and Etoile and the legendary Château-Chalon. The vineyards are organic and they do not use any insecticides, chemical fertilizers or machinery; they are also in the process of gaining Biodynamic certification. The soil is unique, with two marly layers and a calcareous stratus, which is rich in fossilized oysters. The vines are among some very old stocks and are not genetically modified.
Wine making is dedicated to non-interventionism and an affinity for a traditional style. Fermentations are done at very low temperatures, lengthening the process for up to two years. Production never exceeds 12,800 bottles total per vintage.
In 2014 Les Chais du Vieux Bourg was renamed Lulu Vigneron to mark its conversion to 100% organic viticulture. Ludwig Bindernagel is known to his friends and colleagues as Lulu, so this affectionate nickname was the natural choice for the winery.
Ludwig Bindernagel, from Bavaria, and Nathalie Eigenschenck, from Paris, are relative newcomers to the wine world. Neither of them had any experience or formal education as winemakers prior to opening their own winery, nor did they come from vigneron families.
Ludwig studied viticulture remotely while working as an architect in Paris, and ultimately decided to leave to pursue his passion for viticulture and wine production. Ludwig had fallen in love with Burgundy, and initially hoped to purchase land there. However, due to financial constraints, the family found that the Jura proved significantly better suited for them. This led to the purchase of Les Chais du Vieux Bourg (now Lulu Vigneron) in 2000. Their first vintage came shortly after in 2002.
The original vineyard is about 2.5 hectares in Arlay, in the center of the Jura. It has expanded to include vineyards at Poligny and Etoile and the legendary Château-Chalon. The vineyards are organic and they do not use any insecticides, chemical fertilizers or machinery; they are also in the process of gaining Biodynamic certification. The soil is unique, with two marly layers and a calcareous stratus, which is rich in fossilized oysters. The vines are among some very old stocks and are not genetically modified.
Wine making is dedicated to non-interventionism and an affinity for a traditional style. Fermentations are done at very low temperatures, lengthening the process for up to two years. Production never exceeds 12,800 bottles total per vintage.