Domaine Ratte

Tucked away in the illustrious terroirs of Arbois, Domaine Ratte is an intimate winery passionately steered by Michel-Henri and Françoise Ratte. Although the Ratte family vineyards have been a cherished part of the local landscape for generations, it was only in 2015 that this devoted duo embarked on their own vinicultural journey, crafting wines that truly speak of the Arbois essence. This new chapter was birthed when they gracefully untangled themselves from prior commitments to supply their precious grapes to a neighboring fruit merchant.

Spanning 9 hectares, the vineyards of Domaine Ratte embrace well-regarded parcels such as Les Corvées, Clos Maire, and Pré Levront. The age of vines varies between 20 and 80 years, with a small collection of 100-year-old Savagnin plants in Pré Leveron – a testament to the viticultural heritage of Françoise's great-grandfather. Organic and biodynamic principles have guided their viticulture since 1989, evidence of Françoise's firm belief in nurturing high-quality, chemical-free fruit while preserving the health of the vineyards.

The estate's winemaking facilities, including a new office and cave, are strategically situated on the outskirts of Arbois, near the vineyards. The wines are fermented using wild yeasts in stainless steel vats, then matured in old Burgundy barrels, a process ensuring that nothing is added or subtracted, but rather that each wine offers a pure reflection of its terroir. Special attention is given to grape varieties such as Trousseau á la Dame and old musqué Poulsard, alongside the selection Massale Pinot Noir.

Their Pinot Noir is a product of the Jura's selection of Massale from 20 to 80-year-old vines. The result is a wine that deeply encapsulates the terroir of Arbois, promising a unique tasting experience. Le Rubis is a harmonious blend of Poulsard, Pinot Noir, and Trousseau from the Clos Maire parcel. The Poulsard used is the old "musqué" variety, creating a strikingly aromatic and beautifully balanced wine. The Naturè cuvée is made from late-harvested Savignin grapes, aged 50-55 years, offering a distinctive floral and fresh aromatic profile. The fermentation occurs spontaneously, and the wine is aged in steel, ensuring a clean, unadulterated expression of the grape.

Signaling a vibrant future for Domaine Ratte, their young and passionate son Quentin, fresh from his viticulture studies, has come onboard the family venture. Their unyielding dedication to top-notch, eco-conscious viticulture shines through in their distinctive wines: from the mineral-rich Grand Curoulet Chardonnay, echoing notes of ancient fossils, to the harmonious dance of Trousseau and Pinot Noir in their Clos Maire blend. With such fervor and unique offerings, there's no doubt that Domaine Ratte's horizon in the world of winemaking is luminous and full of promise.