2023 Domaine Ratapoil Ratapoil Blanc
WINEMAKER: Estelle & Raphaël Monnier
REGION: Jura, FR
VARIETY: Chardonnay, Savagnin, Seyvillard, Rayon d'Or
VITICULTURE: Certified Organic/Biodynamic
From a co-planted certified organic parcel in the north of the region near Buffard (alongside the likes of Domaine de la Loue & Morgane Turlier), just a short drive from the Monnier home & winery. The Ratapoil plantings here include a big mix of ancient indigenous varieties including Seyvillard, Rayon D'or, Enfariné, Geuche, Petit Beclan, Portugais Bleu & Mezy.
The Ratapoil Blanc is predominantly Chardonnay with Savagnin, Seyvillard & Rayon D’Or. The grapes were hand-harvested & pressed straight into old barrels where the wine fermented & aged for 12 months on gross lees before bottling. Unfiltered & zero additions.
Bright citrus core, just ripe lemon & pear drops, saline & nervy. Fresh cut grass, honeysuckle, underripe kiwi fruit, cucumber freshness, pecorino, green apple, yuzu, lemon bitters & crackling acidity. Great length & intensity, river stone minerality. A delight!
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.