Domaine Rolet is run by four siblings: Pierre and Elaine, plus winemaker Guy and vineyard manager Bernard. Together they sustainably farm prime old-vine vineyards in Arbois, Côtes du Jura and L’Étoile. This is a blend of Pinot Noir and Poulsard, from vines over 30 years old, growing on gray marl up to 380 m. This was native fermented and saignée method, fermented and aged in tank before spending 40+ months on the lees. This fine fizz is a creamy pink/orange hue, with red currant, pomegranate, brisk cherry, streaming down a tight line to a salted, snappy finish.
Gentle, quite creamy entry with melon, pear and mango; hints of guava, a textured mid-palate and a clean, lengthy close. The oak is understated and well in check thanks to the use of a large oak barrel (foudre) as well as barriques and stainless steel.
This is a wine for lovers of tart, minerally, old-style Sancerre. Pale straw in colour with a nose of elderberries and crushed stones; medium- to full-bodied, mouth-wateringly dry with green gooseberry and elderberry flavours carried on lively acidity.
Elegant and refined with lovely floral aromas, blackberry and raspberry flavours with a touch of spice, bright acidity and a fresh, lively finish. A tremendous value.
Walk 5 miles outside of Shawnee National Forest in Illinois and you’ll stumble upon one of the most picturesque places to drink beer in the world: Scratch Brewing Company. Nestled among the forest, the small brewery forages ingredients from the land — hickory, oyster mushrooms, marigolds — and often ferments with a funky, wild house yeast culture. The effect mesmerizes the senses: the Single Tree Hickory has aromas of olive brine with hickory smoke and a Flanders red-like tang on the palate. Rustic and complex, it actually tastes like a tree. But it goes deeper, with a flavour that captures a distinct memory of a day spent outdoors. Scratch’s beers are rare, often only available at the brewery and select bottle shops — but worth the effort.
Pleasant nose of white fruits, fresh and light; a mineral touch adds complexity. Elegant, very fine on the palate; classy acidity, completely dry. Maybe a bit shy in its expression, but it is more about finesse and elegance than power.
Youthful and effusive with bright, ripe flavours of black cherry, wild berry and raspberry. Silky and well-focused, finishing with a rush of fruit, spice and juicy tannins. A super value.