Ratapoil

History of Domaine Ratapoil

The adventure of Domaine Ratapoil is the story of a passionate career change. For many years, Raphaël Monnier worked as a History and Geography teacher. A posting to Arbois changed everything: every day, on the way to school, he crossed the Jurassian vineyards, gradually fell in love with them and found his new calling. For ten years, he cultivated the vine alongside teaching, as a self-taught enthusiast. Then in 2009, the decision became clear: he embarked professionally on the adventure of wine, accompanied by his wife Estelle.

With a touch of humor, Estelle and Raphaël named their estate "Ratapoil," a local slang term for an amateur winemaker. The name also evokes, as a historical nod, a 19th-century caricature by Honoré Daumier depicting a lanky soldier who lampooned Caesarism. They started out with 2 hectares of vines, in an improvised winery in their garage in Arc-et-Senans, in the manner of Silicon Valley pioneers. The estate now covers 5 hectares, spread over 18 plots in 8 different communes. In 2017, when the most violent frost since 1991 and hail destroyed almost their entire harvest, Raphaël Monnier showed remarkable boldness: he urgently created a négociant company, named his range "Avis de Tempête" and set off in his refrigerated truck to source grapes in Savoie to vinify in his cellar. An adventure that perfectly encapsulates the spirit of the estate.

Terroirs and Vines of Domaine Ratapoil

The vineyard extends over approximately 5 hectares in the AOC Arbois and Côtes du Jura appellations, spread over 18 plots dispersed across 8 different communes of the Jurassian vineyard. The soils, heirs to the geological history of the Jura, are composed primarily of Triassic and Liassic marls, Jurassic limestones and stony scree, which lend the wines a saline minerality and a characteristic freshness. The continental climate, marked by harsh winters, warm summers and significant temperature variations, encourages slow and precise ripening of the grapes, guaranteeing the aromatic finesse of the grape varieties.

A notable particularity: while the Jura produces nearly 70% white wines, Domaine Ratapoil is composed of 70% red grape varieties, which immediately sets it apart from its neighbors. Raphaël Monnier cultivates the appellation's emblematic grape varieties (Trousseau, Poulsard, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Savagnin), but has also developed a passion for recovering plots planted with ancient varieties, sometimes forgotten and not even listed in the AOC specifications: Gueuche, Petit Beclan, Mézy, Poulsard Blanc, Gamay du Jura. These historic grape varieties, living expressions of the Jurassian heritage, bear witness to the former teacher's enduring passion for History. The estate is certified in organic farming by Ecocert, with no herbicides, chemical fertilizers or synthetic products.

Winemaking at Domaine Ratapoil

In the cellar, in his barn converted into a winery at Arc-et-Senans, Raphaël Monnier, supported by Marie Bourdon, practices deliberately non-interventionist winemaking. The winemaker shares the belief that wine is made in the vineyard, not in the cellar. The grapes, healthy thanks to organic viticulture, are harvested by hand and quickly transported to the cellar. No oenological inputs are used, with the exception of minimal doses of sulfur when each wine requires it.

Vinifications are carried out either in vats or in barrels, with methods adapted to each cuvée. Part of the production undergoes semi-carbonic maceration, which preserves the purity of the fruit and the freshness of the cuvées. Fermentations are conducted solely with the indigenous yeasts native to the grapes, with no chaptalization or yeast additions. The wines are then aged on fine lees, then bottled without fining or filtration. The stated objective of the Monnier couple is clear: to obtain wines that respect the Arbois terroirs and express their full minerality, in a natural yet controlled spirit. A demanding rigor in service of a bold and diverse range.

The cuvées of Domaine Ratapoil

Va Donc Chardonnay: the estate's signature white cuvée, in AOC Arbois, crafted from 100% Chardonnay. Golden color, expressive nose with notes of almond, white flowers and yellow fruits, taut and precise palate with a mineral structure typical of the Arbois soils. A pleasure for the eyes and the palate, signed by a former history teacher turned passionate winemaker.

Agape Savagnin: a white cuvée in AOC Arbois, crafted from 100% Savagnin vinified in ouillé style (without oxidative veil). Produced in confidential quantities, it captivates with its vibrant and expressive nose, notes of yellow fruits, white flowers and dried fruits, its taut and saline palate. A modern and precise expression of the great Jurassian grape variety, by a most original winemaker.

Chardonnay/Savagnin Blend: a blended cuvée of the two emblematic white grape varieties of the Jura, combining the roundness of Chardonnay with the saline tension of Savagnin. Brilliant color, aromatic nose of yellow fruits and white flowers, complex and balanced palate, long finish. The signature of a winemaker steeped in environmentally respectful methods.

Corvées Trousseau: a single-plot cuvée in AOC Arbois, crafted from 100% Trousseau from a co-planted plot. Ruby color, expressive nose with notes of red fruits and wild fruits (blackberry, raspberry, bramble), silky and structured palate with a spicy finish. Far from being a chore to taste, as its humorously named label suggests.

Côtes du Jura Par Ici Poulsard: a red cuvée in AOC Côtes du Jura, crafted from 100% Poulsard, another emblematic grape variety of the Jura. Evolved pale color, nose of tart red fruits, wild strawberry and raspberry, supple and delicious palate balanced by a lovely acidity. A true pleasure bomb, vinified by a genuine enthusiast.

Chimère Trousseau: a single-plot cuvée in AOC Arbois, crafted from 100% Trousseau in a more structured and profound expression. Ruby color, complex nose of red fruits, gentle spices and mineral notes, a thoroughbred and balanced palate with a fine tannic structure and a long finish. An exceptional cuvée that embodies Raphaël Monnier's commitment to quality and authenticity.

Ratapoil (various red blend): the signature cuvée as a Vin de France, a bold blend of several red grape varieties from the estate (Trousseau, Poulsard, Pinot Noir, and sometimes ancient varieties). A free-spirited and original cuvée that expresses the full creativity of the winemaker, with a fresh structure and a joyful signature.