Producer Spotlight: Jolie-Laide

Producer Spotlight: Jolie-Laide

Stunners from Sonoma
If you know us, you know that Monarch trends towards the old world: France, Italy, Spain. The list goes on and the wine regions are effectively innumerable. But in the back of the shop we keep a shelf of wines we love from here; made by Americans navigating the complex world of wine, either trying to emulate the native homelands of the grapes they grow or fighting tooth and nail to be anything but conventional.

Jolie-Laide is doing something special however, striking a rare balance that continues to intrigue us. Rather than strive to emulate the old world, or reject it entirely, Scott and Jenny Schultz focus on the farming, the grapes, and the technique. Full of character, depth, and idiosyncrasies that make the wines so unique, Jolie-Laide is perhaps one of the most hopeful facets of what is the future of California wine.

The name Jolie-Laide translates to 'pretty-ugly', often used in french to refer to something unconventionally beautiful. When used in reference to their wines, the meaning is clear: these wines are certainly unconventional, but equally, if not more so, classically beautiful.
5-PACK PRICE - $175.96

SPECIAL NEWSLETTER PRICE - $165.40


To order, reply directly to this email or call me at 843.576.4845
Jolie-Laide is a two person operation started by Scott Schultz, who was later joined by his partner Jenny. Scott began his winemaking journey after moving to California in 2007 and working as Wine Director at Bouchon in Napa Valley. On his off days, he'd meet with winemakers in the area and soon found himself helping out in their cellars. After a brief stint as cellar master at Realm, he began working under new California wine icons Arnot-Roberts and Pax Mahle. Today, Scott and Jenny are producing some of the most unique and delicious wines in the US. These wines are simply unmatched. 
Sauvignon Gris 'Dernière Caresse' 2021  $32.99

All Sauvignon Gris, a gray-skinned mutation of Sauvignon Blanc. Found mostly in the Loire and Bordeaux, this is grown on the loamy, limestone soils of San Benito County. Foot-trodden, then fermented in a combination of stainless steel and neutral oak. 

Ripe grapefruit and lemon are contrasted against herbal, earthy aromas without the sharper, greener characteristics of Sauvignon Blanc. The palate is full of more citrus, white peach, and lemongrass with a firm mineral vein. An elegant, less severe take on ubiquitous Sauvignon Blanc. 
Pinot Gris 'Mère' 2021 $32.99
 
Sourced from two vineyards, one of which is a high elevation site in San Benito County, the other with deep, rocky soils in neighboring Sonoma County. The fruit undergoes a two-day cold soak, giving the wine a deep golden, off-rosé color. Fermentation in stainless steel and élevage in neutral oak barrels.

If you can move beyond the stunning color, you'll be greeted with an effusive, perfumed nose of honeydew melon, stone fruit, and bergamot tea. Crisp fruit and herbal notes follow on the palate with a touch of salty minerals and palate cleansing acidity. 
Trousseau Gris 'Sea Ailes Noires' 2021 $32.99
 
A shop favorite, this Trousseau Gris comes from dry-farmed vines planted in 1981. Crushed by foot, and left on the skins for two days, it rests for only a few months in neutral puncheons and stainless steel tanks before bottling. 

Intensely colored, strawberry-blonde in the glass, this is a visceral, textural experience. Sumo citrus and cantaloupe burst from the glass alongside white jasmine florals and crushed gravel. Apricot, white tea and petrichor all weave through one another and dance on your tongue. This wine is begging for pan seared fish with a rich, herbal cream sauce. 
Gamay 'Verser le Sang' 2021 $37.99
 
100% Gamay from a high-elevation, north-facing parcel on the cool Sonoma Coast with a complex mix of quartz and schist. Whole bunches are left untouched, fermenting carbonically (à la Beaujolais). A short 6-month élevage in neutral oak, then bottled immediately to preserve freshness.

High-toned red fruit in the glass with soft, fresh-cut herbs and hibiscus. The palate is bouncy, but layered; think summer strawberry, black tea, and pink peppercorn. Perfect for your backyard barbecue or a BLT, its a great wine to bring fresh and savory foods together. On par with the best of Beaujolais.
Red Blend 'Dans le Vide' $38.99
 
A blend of Trousseau, Cabernet Pfeffer, Valdiguie and Gamay. The grapes are hand harvested, fermented separately using whole bunches. After agining in neutral French oak the wine is blended then bottled un-fined and unfiltered.

A perfumed and intense nose of lush red berries, baking spice, and dried rose petals flecked with hints of black pepper.The palate is bright and crisp with a dense core of crunchy raspberries, blood orange, and spicy, almost mesquite smokiness. Juicy and crushable but seriously layered simultaneously. 
Justin Coleman
Proprieter
Monarch Wine Merchants