2022 Domaine Ratapoil L'Ingenu
WINEMAKER: Estelle & Raphaël Monnier
REGION: Jura, FR
VARIETY: Pinot Noir
VITICULTURE: Certified Organic/Biodynamic
From 30+ year old, certified organic vines. Pinot Noir from the Molamboz municipality, just 10 mins north west of Arbois on limestone & marl soils. Hand-harvested & hand-destemmed for a two week maceration before elevage in both tank & amphora for 12 months on gross lees prior to blending & bottling. Unfiltered & zero additions.
The wine is light & expressive, brimming with vivid red fruit while maintaining delicate structure. Maraschino cherry, wild strawberry, cranberry & a refreshing hint of rhubarb, accompanied by a touch of graphite that adds pucker. Aromas of cherry & forest floor. On the palate, it’s juicy. The profile is pure & savoury, with wet slate mineral notes. Dark cherry juice, bergamot tea, clove & ripe raspberry, alongside hints of blood orange & alpine herbs.
Nestled in the bucolic heart of the Jura, Domaine Ratapoil has carved out a distinctive niche in the ever-evolving natural wine scene. Established in 2009 by Raphaël Monnier, a former history teacher, and his wife Estelle, the estate is the culmination of 15+ years of passionate winemaking that began as a side project with Raphaël's childhood friend, Jean-Baptiste Ménigoz of Les Bottes Rouge. The name "Ratapoil" itself, is a playful nod to local slang reflecting the Monnier's outsider status in the traditional wine world, embodying the spirit of hobbyist winemakers & newcomers who thrive in the region.
The Monniers’ garage winery, tucked just through the kitchen door, is a testament to their hands-on approach. Raphaël's winemaking philosophy favours minimal intervention; the wines begin their journey in small stainless steel tanks before transitioning into oak for whites. He harbours aspirations of someday using foudres for his reds, but for now, they largely reside in tank & amphora, allowing the terroir to shine through without the influence of heavy artefact.
Notably, a staggering 70% of the Ratapoil output finds its way into international markets, with the remaining portion gracing select bistros & caves across France. This rarity of direct-to-consumer sales, coupled with their off-the-beaten-path location, means that the Ratapoil wines are often discovered rather than sought out.