Philippe Chatillon

History of Domaine Philippe Chatillon

The story of Domaine Philippe Chatillon begins with its founder, Philippe Chatillon, a native of the Jura who honed his craft as director of the prestigious Domaine de la Pinte in Arbois for 18 years. In 2013, driven by the desire to create wines that fully reflect his vision of purity and harmony with nature, Philippe embarked on his own journey. He began with a modest 2-hectare plot on the sun-drenched hills of Passenans in the Côtes du Jura, planting his roots with vines of Savagnin, Melon à Queue Rouge, Gamay, Pinot Noir, and Chardonnay. Over the years, the estate grew to reach 3.5 hectares across the finest terroirs of the Jura, including Arbois, Passenans, Monay, and Château-Chalon.

Philippe's commitment to biodynamics was evident from the outset, drawing on his extensive experience at the domaine de la Pinte. In 2019, his son Anatole joined the estate, bringing fresh energy to this family venture. Together, they continue to push the boundaries of natural winemaking, blending tradition with innovative practices such as bio-harmony. The estate's ethos is rooted in respect for the land, the vines, and the wines themselves, resulting in bottles that possess as much soul as refinement.

Terroirs and Vineyards of Domaine Philippe Chatillon

Domaine Philippe Chatillon spans 3.5 hectares spread across the most coveted terroirs of the Jura. The estate's vineyards are strategically located in Arbois (1.95 ha), Passenans and Monay in the Côtes du Jura (1 ha), and Château-Chalon (0.20 ha). Each plot brings unique characteristics to the wines, thanks to the diversity of soils in the region, ranging from the red marls of Passenans to the limestone-rich terroirs that host the old Chardonnay and Pinot Noir vines.

The estate cultivates the traditional grape varieties of the Jura, including savagnin, chardonnay, pinot noir, trousseau, and the rare melon à queue rouge, a local variant of chardonnay with a red stem. These old vines, some over 60 years old, produce small quantities but exceptional quality, lending the wines depth and complexity. Philippe's biodynamic approach ensures that the vineyards are worked entirely by hand, without chemical fertilisers or herbicides. Instead, he uses natural preparations such as horn manure and fermented compost teas made from seaweed and mushrooms to nourish the soil. This meticulous care, combined with hand-harvesting in small crates to prevent oxidation, ensures that only the healthiest and most vibrant grapes reach the cellar.

Winemaking at Domaine Philippe Chatillon

At Domaine Philippe Chatillon, winemaking is an art of minimal intervention, guided by the philosophy of letting the grapes and the terroir speak for themselves. Philippe accompanies the fruit throughout its transformation, using only indigenous yeasts for fermentation and avoiding all additives, including sulphur. The wines are neither fined nor filtered, preserving their natural character and vibrancy. Bottling is done by gravity, a gentle process that respects the integrity of the wine.

Ageing at the estate takes place in historic 17th-, 18th-, and 19th-century cellars, where the wines mature in old oak barrels or, in some cases, in amphorae. These vessels impart a subtle energy to the reds and a creamy texture to the whites, while preserving the nervous minerality of the Jura terroir. Philippe's signature bio-harmony technique distinguishes his winemaking: he uses a crystal harp and singing bowls in the cellar, believing that sound vibrations harmonise the wines and strengthen their energy. This holistic approach, combined with long lees ageing, produces living wines that evolve with each season and offer a unique sensory experience.

The Wines of Domaine Philippe Chatillon

Domaine Philippe Chatillon produces a varied range of wines, all certified Bio Ecocert and Vin Nature, reflecting the rich viticultural heritage of the Jura. Below you will find an overview:

Red wines

Côtes du Jura Amphore (Pinot Noir Trousseau)

A vibrant blend of Pinot Noir and Trousseau, partially aged in 300-litre amphorae, this wine offers spiced and smoky notes along with a delicate morello cherry character. Its silky texture and refined structure make it an ideal companion for roasted meats.

Côtes du Jura Hari Om (Pinot Noir)

This Pinot Noir showcases the elegance of the red marl soils of Passenans, with a nose of undergrowth and spices. Its supple, fruity palate is ideal for pairing with charcuterie or grilled meats.

Côtes du Jura La Grande Chaude (Pinot Noir Trousseau)

From 60-year-old vines on red marl terroirs, this cuvée is a blend of Pinot Noir, Trousseau, and other heritage grape varieties. With a two-month whole-bunch fermentation and eight months in oak barrels, it offers a complex profile of fruit, spice, and earth, perfect for hearty stews.

White wines

Arbois Le Sage Vagnin (Savagnin Ouillé)

This golden-hued, ouillé Savagnin combines spiced and energetic notes with a subtle oxidative character. Its purity and intensity make it a wine of choice to accompany creamy cheeses.

Arbois Les Nouvelles (Savagnin Ouillé)

This vibrant Savagnin offers citrus freshness and minerality, with a saline finish that pairs beautifully with seafood, particularly oysters.

Arbois Les Nouvelles (Savagnin Oxydatif)

Aged five years underground, this oxidative Savagnin evokes Vin Jaune with its powerful nose of tobacco, undergrowth, and flint. Its structured palate and length rival the finest Chablis.

Côtes du Jura Amphore (Savagnin Ouillé)

Fermented and aged in amphorae, this Savagnin is lively and expressive, with an emphasis on fruit and the minerality of the terroir. It is a versatile companion for fish or poultry dishes.

Côtes du Jura En Marche (Melon à Queue Rouge)

From the rare Melon à Queue Rouge, this wine combines a richness close to Chardonnay with a unique vivacity, making it a collector's favourite for its rarity and finesse.

Côtes du Jura La Grande Chaude (Chardonnay)

From 60-year-old Chardonnay vines on red marls and dolomitic limestone, this wine is aged in barrels for 14 months. Its complex nose of white fruits, balsam, and subtle oak leads to a digestible and elegant palate with a delicate bitter finish.

Côtes du Jura Puits Saint-Pierre (Savagnin Ouillé)

From the prestigious terroir of Château-Chalon, this Savagnin is crisp and mineral, with a refined structure that enhances any meal.

Côtes du Jura Vin Jaune

A masterpiece of patience, this Vin Jaune spends six years under the veil, developing intense aromas of walnut, spice, and minerality. It is a collector's wine, perfect for great occasions.

Macvin du Jura

This traditional Jura liqueur wine combines grape must with marc brandy, offering delicate notes of stone fruits, flowers, and dried fruits. Its round, balanced palate is ideal as an aperitif or dessert wine.

Philippe's dedication to biodynamic viticulture, minimal-intervention winemaking, and bio-harmony translates into bottles that resonate with energy and authenticity. Whether you are drawn to the vibrant reds of La Grande Chaude, the complex whites of Les Nouvelles, or the iconic Macvin du Jura, each cuvée tells the story of the land and the hands that craft it. For those wishing to buy wine online, Domaine Philippe Chatillon offers the opportunity to discover the finest Jura wines at the best prices. Dive into this world of natural wines and terroir, and let the estate's passion elevate your wine collection.