Domaine Rolet

Domaine Rolet, founded in 1942 in the Jura region of eastern France, has built its reputation by controlling over 65 hectares of prime vineyard parcels across steep hillsides. Under the current leadership of Cédric Ducoté since 2018, the estate balances traditional Jura winemaking with modern technique—a philosophy that extends to its certified organic farming practices. Synthetic chemical inputs are eliminated entirely from vineyard management. The result is mineral-driven wines that express the unique terroir of each plot, matched to the grape varieties best suited to its soil and aspect.

About Domaine Rolet

Domaine Rolet's 65-hectare vineyard spans multiple steep hillside plots planted with Chardonnay, Savagnin, Poulsard, Trousseau, and Pinot Noir. Head viticulturist Louis Morel led the estate's conversion to organic farming, eliminating synthetic inputs while using light caterpillar tractors to prevent soil compaction. Hand-harvesting is practised across all vineyard blocks. Winemaker Chloé Weber brings modern precision to the cellar, creating wines that balance tradition with clarity of expression.

The estate's Chardonnays stand apart in Jura by adopting a Burgundian, non-oxidative style rather than the region's traditional oxidative approach. The Arbois Chardonnay ferments in stainless steel, then spends time in oak cooperage—specifically 228-litre vessels matured for 18 months, with new oak at 30% contributing flintiness and mineral definition. This modern interpretation does not reject Jura character—it refines it. The Tradition Arbois Blanc, by contrast, embraces dual styles: 50% Savagnin fermented in oak under flor for four years in the traditional oxidative manner, blended with 50% non-oxidative Chardonnay also aged four years in oak foudres. After three months of bottle marriage, the result is a nutty, complex white with lifted mineral acidity. Trousseau, the estate's indigenous red grape, receives 50% barrel ageing for complexity and 50% tank fermentation to retain fruit purity, yielding a concentrated wine with crunchy red fruit character despite its light colour.

Domaine Rolet Wines in Our Collection

The 2023 Arbois Chardonnay (91 points) exemplifies the estate's modern approach—a clean, mineral-focused white with floral aromatics and flinty precision that works equally well as an aperitif or with shellfish and white fish. The 2023 Arbois Rouge Trousseau (91 points) showcases this rare red grape variety with its crunchy red fruit character and surprising depth; light in colour but concentrated in flavour, it pairs beautifully with lighter meat dishes and game birds. The 2018 Tradition Arbois Blanc (85 points, La Revue du Vin de France) bridges both approaches—a more complex, oxidative-influenced white with nutty character and fresh minerality, suited to richer dishes and extended cellaring. Together, these three wines represent Domaine Rolet's range: the confident modernist Chardonnay, the distinctive regional Trousseau, and the traditional-meets-contemporary Tradition blend that defines Jura's unique character.

Food Pairing

The Arbois Chardonnay pairs with oysters, scallops, and white fish preparations; its mineral edge cuts through richness. Trousseau's crunchy fruit suits duck breast, game birds, and lighter charcuterie. The Tradition Arbois Blanc, richer and more complex, matches creamy sauces, soft cheeses like Comté, and dishes featuring hazelnuts or walnuts. All three wines work well with the classic Jura pairing of local Comté cheese.

What makes Domaine Rolet's Chardonnay different from other Jura whites?

Domaine Rolet's Chardonnays use a non-oxidative, Burgundian style rather than Jura's traditional oxidative approach. Fermented in stainless steel and aged 18 months in oak, they display mineral flinty character with clarity and brightness.

Is Domaine Rolet organic?

Yes. The estate converted to organic farming under viticulturist Louis Morel, eliminating herbicides and pesticides. Light tractors prevent soil compaction, and all fruit is hand-harvested to maintain quality.

What is Trousseau and why should I try it?

Trousseau is an indigenous Jura red grape capable of making complex, deeply flavoured wines. Despite light colour, Domaine Rolet's version is remarkably concentrated with crunchy red fruit—an excellent introduction to rare regional varieties.

Who makes Domaine Rolet wines?

Domaine Rolet was founded in 1942 in the Jura region of eastern France. It is led by Cédric Ducoté since 2018, with winemaker Chloé Weber and head viticulturist Louis Morel overseeing production across 65 hectares of vineyard.

What style of wine does Domaine Rolet make?

Domaine Rolet makes mineral-driven wines using Chardonnay, Savagnin, Trousseau, Poulsard, and Pinot Noir. Their Chardonnays favour non-oxidative, Burgundian style (91 points), whilst Trousseau reds offer crunchy fruit with surprising depth. Certified organic farming underpins all production.

How much does Domaine Rolet wine cost?

Domaine Rolet wines from SommPills range between £26.45 and £33.05. The 2023 Arbois Chardonnay costs £26.45, the 2023 Arbois Rouge Trousseau £29.10, and the 2018 Tradition Arbois Blanc £33.05.