2023 Domaine Ratapoil One Shot
WINEMAKER: Estelle & Raphaël Monnier
REGION: Jura, FR
VARIETY: Trousseau, Ploussard, Chardonnay, Savagnin
VITICULTURE: Certified Organic/Biodynamic
The grapes were hand-harvested in the same week from certified organic parcels in Arbois & Vadans on limestone, marl & clay soils. An infusion-style blend where the Chardonnay was directly pressed & left to macerate for ten days with destemmed Trousseau grapes. The wine was then blended with Savagnin & Ploussard before élevage in clay amphora for 12 months. Unfiltered & zero additions.
Plush & lively fruits galore, featuring red cherry, black cherry, cassis, raspberry & red apple skins. Incredibly fine tannins, with a dynamic energy & lively character. There’s a subtle savoury/umami undertone met by cured meats. This wine is dangerously drinkable, exhibiting an effortless weight & texture. The finished wine is energetic & fresh, with remarkable tension, fruit & spice.
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.