The history of Château de Jau dates back to the 12th century when the domaine was given to the local Cistercian Abbey by the Bishop of Elne and renamed after the Abbey’s name – Jau – and the monks started growing vines and olives on the extensive grounds. Defence structures were built, namely a tower and high wall, to protect the land from the pirate attacks that plagued the Roussillon at the time.

Today, Château de Jau is a historic Roussillon estate where olive trees, cypresses and vine share the land, surrounded by wild garrigue. The growing conditions here are ideal: bright sunshine, complex mineral-rich soils (limestone, clay and schist) and the influence of the Mediterranean winds which temper the summer heat and air the vineyards, ensuring healthy and perfectly ripe grapes.

The estate’s historical original buildings still stand – the tower, the magnanerie, the château… – as do the vineyards, now covering 100 hectares surrounded by 500 hectares of garrigues. A unique setting, at the core of an untouched wild landscape, that gives Jau’s wines much of their character and purity.