Domaine Rolet - Côtes du Jura Tradition (Chardonnay Savagnin) 2016

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.

The comparison between the two Tradition vintages (same Savagnin/Chardonnay blend and same aging process) is very revealing. Both wines exhibit a very distinctive style: the Arbois is more powerful and full-bodied, with a more golden hue, richer, and more pronounced in its “veil” flavor, though less refined; the Côtes du Jura is more reserved at first but more refined and elegant.

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.