Domaine Rolet Arbois AOC Rouge 'Tradition' 2020

The Jura region, located in eastern France near the border with Switzerland, is dominated by the forested Jura Mountains, which provide a measure of isolation that has encouraged the longevity of several of the local traditional varietals and wine styles. (In case you were wondering: the Jurassic period, roughly 200 to 150 million years ago, was named after the Jura mountains, where limestone deposits of the era were first discovered.) Vineyards in the Jura usually sit on the lower slopes of the mountains, and draw particular character from the limestone. This "traditional red" blend is 60% pinot noir, 35% trousseau, and 5% poulsard. Known for their careful incorporation of tradition with modernity, the four Rolet siblings who run the domaine farm sustainably and harvest by hand, and ferment and age each of the varietals separately in neutral wood before blending. This lightly colored red is wonderfully balanced, with red fruit and a wild mushroom earthiness from the pinot, tannic structure from the trousseau, and a floral hint from the poulsard, underlined by a touch of hazelnut from the controlled oxidation. Perfect for pairing with roasted pork loin with glazed turnips, or your favorite vegetable-mushroom gratin. Organically grown.