Jura, France
Domaine Ratte
Domaine Ratte makes authentic, precise Jura wines, allowing biodynamic farming, artisanship, native grape varieties, and terroir to speak with clarity.
Based in Arbois, one of France's oldest appellations in the heart of the Jura wine region, the Ratte family has been cultivating vines for generations. Today, Michel-Henri and Françoise Ratte, together with their son Quentin, craft small quantities of fresh, pure wines full of tension that let the vineyard do the talking.
Biodynamic expressions of origin
The estate encompasses approximately nine hectares around the municipality of Arbois – with plots in such vineyards as Les Corvées, Grandcuroulet, Bésivette, and Clos Maire. Domaine Ratte follows strictly biodynamic (and Demeter-certified) principles, firmly believing that this is key to achieving healthy soils and vibrant wines. Winemaking is suitably restrained, with minimal intervention, gentle handling of the grapes, and a focus on preserving natural balance in the wines. The wines are bottled without filtration and with only a minimal addition of sulphur, delivering authentic, precise and articulate expressions of origin.
Distinctive Jura terroir
The Jura region is known for its unique terroir, boasting limestone-rich soils, a cool climate and ancient winemaking traditions. Diverse plots offer Domaine Ratte a varied canvas on which to paint the region’s true character. Each of the estate’s wines stands for a specific vineyard, grape variety, and style, showcasing Jura in a singular light.
Savagnin and more besides
The wines at Domaine Ratte are all about the classic Jura grape varieties:
• Savagnin – spicy, salty, complex
• Chardonnay – precise, mineral, elegant
• Trousseau – structured, with fine fruit expression
They are the quintessence of Jura, offering freshness, fine aromatics and remarkable clarity.
The subtle side of natural wine
Domaine Ratte makes clean, balanced and highly drinkable wines on the more classical end of the natural-wine spectrum. The property favours precision over opulence, elegance over heft, and terroir expression over technical perfection. Its vibrant, pure but structured bottlings are just the ticket for anyone looking for characterful natural wines minus the funk.
