Domaine Rolet, Expression du Terroir Côtes du Jura - France, 2016
Fast Facts:
Winemaker(s): Cédric Ducoté, Chloé Weber, Louis Morel
Region: Voiteur -> Jura -> France
Varietal(s): 70% Chardonnay, 30% Savagnin
Terroir: Gray marl and limestone soils, marine fossil rich, south-facing slopes
Serving Temp: 50-55°F
Domaine Rolet is one of the coolest OGs of the Jura. Désiré Rolet started the domaine in 1942, and by 1958 all four of his kids decided to stay in the family business. Over two generations, the Rolets became one of the reference points for Jura wines. In 2018, two families took over the estate and have been pushing things forward with winemakers Cédric Ducoté, Chloé Weber, and Louis Morel. Rolet is known for walking that fine line between tradition and innovation.
Expression du Terroir comes from a parcel called "Vrihou" on the slopes of Voiteur - a cool south-facing plot loaded with ancient marine fossils in the soil, mineral fans rejoice! The Savagnin component is what makes this wine special. It's aged sous voile (under flor) but for a wee 3 years instead of the traditional 6+ years. This gives that classic Jura character with super oxidative and nutty character without going full Vin Jaune intensity.
The Chardonnay brings freshness and minerality, while the Savagnin brings the wildly weird and savory complexity. There's a beautiful tension between bright fresh fruit and the very aged, oxidative notes.
Why'd we pick it?
Jura is a beautifully unique terroir and style. Yellow wine, Vin Jaune, sous voile - Jura wines are truly in their own camp, and this is a perfect gateway into the style! It might a bit wild and eyebrow raising, and just know this is the introductory vibe of Jura. It's got enough funk to be interesting but enough freshness to stay approachable. Plus, at 8 whoppin' years old, this wine has developed a beautiful complexity you just can't get from a younger style.
Field Notes
- Tastes like: Baked brioche, lotsa green walnuts, dried apricot, and citrus peel. Along with the aforementioned nutty-town, there's a chalky minerality running through it. A smidge of curry spice on the mid-palate and cozy oxidative notes.
- Serve it chilled but not cold. You wanna get those complex flavors to really sing. Try 50-55°F, say a 20-minute chill in the fridge.
- Food Pairings: Cheese wine! Jura's own Comté seems fitting, especially with a playful orchard fruit marmalade. Roasted mushrooms in many forms would slay - I just had a "Shwarma-style" Maitake thing at Atoma in Seattle that was perfect. Miso-marinated King Salmon for your cozy evening rice bowls?
