Region: Northern California

Varietal: 42% Trousseau Noir, 20% Cabernet Pfeffer, 30% Gamay & 8% Poulsard

Tasting Notes: Light on its feet yet packed with personality, this blend opens with vibrant red berries—think cranberry and raspberry—laced with rose petal and pink peppercorn. A whisper of incense and savory spice adds intrigue, while the bright acidity and mineral tension make for an irresistibly fresh, food-friendly finish. Low in alcohol and even better with a slight chill, it’s the kind of wine that disappears quickly.

Producer: Founded in 2010 by Scott Schultz and later joined by his partner Jenny, Jolie-Laide is a boutique winery based in Sonoma County, California. The name "Jolie-Laide," translating to "pretty-ugly" in French, reflects their philosophy of embracing the unconventional beauty in winemaking. Scott's journey into winemaking began after moving from Chicago to Napa Valley, where he worked at Thomas Keller’s Bouchon. His experiences there led him to roles at esteemed wineries like Realm, Arnot-Roberts, and Pax Mahle, before establishing Jolie-Laide. The winery is renowned for its minimal-intervention approach, focusing on lesser-known grape varieties and producing wines that are both expressive and unique.

Vineyard & Winemaking: The 2023 Trousseau Noir Blend is a testament to Jolie-Laide's commitment to showcasing rare and intriguing grape varieties. This vintage comprises 42% Trousseau Noir, 30% Gamay, 20% Cabernet Pfeffer (also known as Mourtaou), and 8% Poulsard. The grapes are sourced from diverse vineyards across California's North and Central Coast AVAs, including sites in San Benito, Sonoma, and Lake County. All components were fermented separately, employing whole-cluster fermentation and partial carbonic maceration to enhance brightness and aromatic complexity. The wines were then aged in neutral oak barrels, allowing the purity of the fruit to shine without the influence of new oak.