Domaine Rolet - Arbois Trousseau 2023

It is one of the largest estates in the Jura, with 65 hectares of vineyards spread across the Arbois, Côtes du Jura, and L’Étoile appellations. The lineup, which includes numerous cuvées of all types of wines (ouillés, sous voile, crémants, macvin, paille, and jaune), with a majority of whites, was once considered comprehensive but inconsistent, with some fine examples Gems in older vintages. The wines have now regained a certain consistency in quality.

Sulfite-free winemaking using indigenous yeasts, with cold pre-fermentation maceration for 3 days and 17 days of fermentation in vat. 10% of the cuvée is aged in used barrels and large oak casks for 7 months. Red currant, strawberry, cherry, and forest floor notes create an open and powerful nose. The fruitiness carries through to a structured palate—yet never excessive—where a sense of freshness dominates.

The reds have gained in purity and vibrancy. This is evident in the crystal-clear 2023 vintages, which are still reserved but have a relaxed character, with a focus on fruit.

The Arbois appellation owes a great deal to the Rolet estate. While it has managed over the years to maintain its own distinct style—a blend of classic winemaking rooted in Jura traditions and strong technical expertise—the estate has not always achieved consistency across its entire range. The wines characterized by aging under a veil (particularly the yellow wines of Arbois) are the most consistently successful. In the spring of 2018, the estate and its vineyards were acquired by the Devillard family—well known for their Burgundian wines—along with other shareholders. Under the leadership of Cédric Ducoté, the most recent vintages demonstrate greater stylistic confidence and more consistency, which we are delighted to see.