From: Jura, France
Varietal: Chardonnay

Taste: Fresh aromas of golden apple, pear, white flowers and citrus meet a generous and crisp palate where golden toast flavors are reigned in by a bright, pure, citrus core that lingers on a finish tinged with a saline minerality- a result of the unique soils of the Jura. We should note, Rouve makes his Arbois Chardonnay with Burgundy in mind, thus the resulting wine is pure and strikes a successful balance between tension and finesse- sans oxidation.

Pairing: Fantastic alongside so many foods! Jambon et buerre, picnic fare, poached eggs or savory quiche, fried chicken, chicken/veal or mushroom dishes (or frankly, a combination of both) in cream sauce, white fish served poached, baked, or grilled, savory but not spicy shrimp or crab-based dishes, and of course, local cheeses like Comté.

Morels and Comte Cheese On Grilled Toast
By Patricia Wells

About. Emerging superstar Florent Rouve was partners with famed Burgundian negociant Jean Rijkaert until 2073 when he took the reins alone. Producing in two of France's hottest winemaking regions, the Maconnais and Jura, Rouve's oenological approach emphasizes freshness, integrity, balance and terroir and offers a superb alliance of tradition and a modern, minimalist style. 

This wine. A blend from different Chardonnay vineyards between the villages of Arbois and Villette. Grey marlstone from the early Bajocian era with limestone scree in the steepest areas.

Florent Rouve's Arbois Chardonnay is a fantastic introduction to the varied terroirs of the Jura, drawing vineyards across the retion. Due to large diurnal temperature variations, the grapes boast highly concentrated aromas and faithfully express the calcareous marl soils of Arbois. The vines entered the summer of 2020 in perfect condition, after a very difficult 2019. The excessively dry and hot summer challenged the vines, but the vintage was salvaged by superb harvest conditions.

The result is a balanc classic wine that beautifully expresses the unique Arbois terroir. It is a clear golden-yellow color, feature aromas of fresh pear, flowers and citrus, with a round mouthfeel framed by underlying crispness. The fit boasts purity and freshness and a distinctive saline minerality resulting from Jura's unique soils.