From: Jura, France
Varietal: Chardonnay

Critical Acclaim: Wine Enthusiast awarded the 2018 Domaine Rolet Arbois Chardonnay a score of 91, praising its full-bodied character, rich white fruits, and tight, mineral texture. The oakiness is expected to integrate further, resulting in a wine that is both rich and structured.

Taste: The 2018 Domaine Rolet Arbois Chardonnay offers a beautiful golden hue with green reflections, indicative of its youth and vibrancy. On the nose, it reveals an enticing bouquet of ripe green apple, lemon zest, and white peach, intertwined with subtle hints of toasted brioche and hazelnut, attributed to its oak aging. The wine's complexity is further enhanced by delicate floral notes and a suggestion of flinty minerality.

Upon tasting, the palate is met with a harmonious balance of crisp acidity and rich, creamy texture. The flavors of green apple, citrus, and white peach persist, complemented by nuances of flake salts, flax, and lees. The wine's oak influence adds a balanced layer of texture, while the vibrant lemony acidity carries through to a very long, saline finish.

Pairing: The 2018 Domaine Rolet Arbois Chardonnay's elegant depth and bright acidity make it a versatile partner for a range of dishes. It pairs well with creamy sauces, soft cheeses, and dishes with a citrus or herbaceous character. Embrace the flavors of the Jura region by pairing this Chardonnay with local dishes such as Comté cheese, poulet à la crème et aux morilles (chicken in a creamy morel mushroom sauce), or truite au vin jaune (trout in a vin jaune sauce). We were inspired to share Yasmin Fahr’s recipe for Skillet Chicken With Mushrooms and Caramelized Onions below; as it’s a similar dish to the above pairing tips.

The wine's acidity and creamy texture lend themselves well to vegetarian dishes that feature earthy or umami flavors. Consider pairing it with a wild mushroom and leek risotto, a creamy spinach and artichoke pasta, or a goat cheese and caramelized onion tart.

Skillet Chicken With Mushrooms and Caramelized Onions
By Yasmin Fahr

History of Domaine Rolet: Established in 1942 by Désiré Rolet, Domaine Rolet has been passed down through the generations, acquiring premium vineyards across all four Jura appellations: Arbois, Côtes du Jura, Étoile, and Château-Chalon. Covering 65 hectares, Domaine Rolet is the largest family-owned winery in the Jura region. In June 2018, the Devillard family, along with the Flambert and Dupuis families, purchased the estate, continuing the Rolet family's tradition of producing wines that capture the essence of the Jura terroir.

The Vineyard and Winemaking: Located at the top of the En Chagnon vineyard in Montigny-les-Arsures, the 30+ year old Chardonnay vines grow against a limestone cliff interspersed with gravels and grey marls. Winemaker Cédric Ducoté ensures that only grapes grown from their vineyards, cultivated using sustainable viticulture methods, are used in the winemaking process. The 2018 Domaine Rolet Arbois Chardonnay is aged for 16 months in oak barrels, with 30% of them being new.

Winemaker Notes: Cédric Ducoté emphasizes the importance of fully ripe grapes, judicious use of oak, and controlled oxidation to create a signature "little hazelnut nose." The consistency of Domaine Rolet's wines is truly impressive, considering the cool-climate vineyard region.