100% Chardonnay
Arbois, Jura, France
30+ year old vines primarily on the hillside lieu-dit of “En Chagnon” from the commune of Montigny-les-Arsures
Leant against a limestone ledge, the soil is essentially composed of loose gravels revealing grey marls of Lias offering richness and minerality.
Organic, no synthetic pesticides or herbicides. Manual harvesting and sorting.
Ageing of 9 months in oak barrels including 30% in new barrels
Drink now or age 8-10 years
Smoky fruit on nose. Green apple, peaches, some lemon, and vanilla on palate
Grilled fishes, shellfishes (especially crab), quiches, gratins.
It was Désiré Rolet who in 1942 began making wine in the small region of the Jura in eastern France. In 1958, his 4 children all decided to stay in the family business and took over from their father. Since that time the domaine has risen in prominence in the region and acquired prime old vine vineyards in the appellations of Arbois and Côtes du Jura. From the beginning, quality farming has been the focus; today the domaine is undergoing a complete conversion to organic farming, which in their steep-sloped vineyards can be quite difficult indeed. No herbicides or pesticides are ever used and the soils are constantly ploughed – creating beautiful, healthy vineyards. The commitment to quality viticulture extends into the cellar where they produce balanced, mineral-driven wines that can only come from the Jura. The wines always exhibit a focused purity and intensity of flavor which maintain the cool climate typicity of this mountainous region.
The vines enjoy south-southwest sun exposure, which allows the Chardonnay to ripen in ample time in the cooler climate of Arbois, Jura. Arbois is considered the capital of the Jura and Savoie wine regions. Its name is derived from the celtic word meaning "fertile soil." The town is surrounded by plentiful hills and valleys with excellent terroir for a number of varietal types to thrive, where the sun hits the plants due to their angle and reach, and the evening chill captures and preserves the acidity necessary for structure and preservation.High trellising of the vines is neessary to keep the vines safe from ground frost, at their altitude of 1150 feet above sea level.
