2021 Domaine Ratapoil Plein Poing

WINEMAKER: Estelle & Raphaël Monnier
REGION: Jura, FR
VARIETY: Savagnin
VITICULTURE: Certified Organic/Biodynamic

Savagnin from a parcel in Vadans, between Arbois & Poligny, planted on grey marl soil & certified organic. Direct pressed, 50% of the fruit was transferred straight into old barrels where the wine was kept topped up (Ouille) & aged for 3 years on gross lees. Whereas 50% was fermented & matured under flor (Sous Voile) for 3 years prior to blending & bottling. Unfiltered & zero additions.

Full of citrus & minerals, finishing with a deep salinity. Honey buttered toast aromas, warm & inviting. Distinct Savagnin notes of walnuts, persimmon & lemon curd. The palate is sublime. Nice combination of oxidative notes vs. vibrant citrus. Honey buttered toast again, a wide array of orchard fruit & citrus florals. Green apple (dried & fresh), lime, mustard powder, umami. Compact & complex, plenty of intensity & concentration. An accomplished wine that will only improve with time in the cellar.

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.