Philippe Chatillon

History of Domaine Philippe Chatillon

The story of Domaine Philippe Chatillon begins with its founder, Philippe Chatillon, a Jura native who perfected 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 started with a modest 2-hectare parcel on the sunny hills of Passenans in the Côtes du Jura, planting his roots with Savagnin, Melon à Queue Rouge, Gamay, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay vines. Over the years, the estate has expanded to 3.5 hectares in the finest Jura terroirs, including Arbois, Passenans, Monay and Château-Chalon.

Philippe's commitment to biodynamics was evident from the start, drawing on his extensive experience at Domaine de la Pinte. In 2019, his son Anatole joined the estate, bringing fresh energy to this family enterprise. 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 have as much soul as refinement.

Terroirs and vineyards of Domaine Philippe Chatillon

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

The estate cultivates traditional Jura grape varieties, 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 low quantities but exceptional quality, giving the wines depth and complexity. Philippe's biodynamic approach ensures that the vineyards are worked entirely by hand, without chemical fertilizers or herbicides. Instead, he uses natural preparations such as cow horn manure and fermented compost teas made from seaweed and mushrooms to nourish the soil. This meticulous care, combined with manual harvesting in small crates to avoid 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 terroir speak for themselves. Philippe accompanies the fruit throughout its transformation, using only indigenous yeasts for fermentation and avoiding any additives, including sulfur. The wines are neither fined nor filtered, which preserves their natural character and vibrancy. Bottling is done by gravity, a gentle process that respects the integrity of the wine.

The estate's aging takes place in historic cellars from the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries, where the wines mature in old oak barrels or, in some cases, in amphoras. These vessels impart 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 harmonize the wines and enhance their energy. This holistic approach, combined with long lees fermentations, 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 wine heritage of the Jura. Below is an overview:

Red wines

Côtes du Jura Amphore (Pinot Noir Trousseau)

A vibrant blend of Pinot Noir and Trousseau, partially aged in 300-liter amphoras, this wine offers spicy and smoky notes as well as a delicate morello cherry character. Its silky texture and refined structure allow it to accompany 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 and fruity palate is ideal for accompanying 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-cluster fermentation and an eight-month stay 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, topped-up Savagnin combines spicy and energetic notes with a slight 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 gunflint. Its structured palate and long finish rival the finest Chablis.

Côtes du Jura Amphore (Savagnin Ouillé)

Fermented and aged in amphoras, 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)

Made from the rare Melon à Queue Rouge, this wine combines richness close to Chardonnay with unique vivacity, making it a collector's favorite 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 bitterness on the finish.

Côtes du Jura Puits Saint-Pierre (Savagnin Ouillé)

From the prestigious Château-Chalon terroir, 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 voile, developing intense aromas of walnuts, spices and minerality. It is a collector's wine, perfect for special occasions.

Macvin du Jura

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

Philippe's dedication to biodynamic viticulture, winemaking with minimal intervention 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. Immerse yourself in this world of natural wines and terroir and let the estate's passion elevate your wine collection.