Domaine La Patelle — Natural Wines from the Heart of Beaujolais

Located in Saint-Amour-Bellevue in the renowned Beaujolais region, Domaine La Patelle is a small but highly respected natural wine producer. Founded in 2017 by Romain Roche, the domaine draws its name from “la patelle,” a type of limpet—symbolizing a grounded, humble, and tenacious connection to the land.

A Philosophy Rooted in Nature

Romain’s winemaking approach centers on organic viticulture and minimal intervention. Deeply attuned to the unique granitic soils of Beaujolais, he works to reveal the true character of his terroir with care and precision.

Traditional Techniques, Pure Expression

  • Hand-harvested grapes ensure only the best fruit is selected.

  • Spontaneous fermentation with indigenous yeasts captures natural complexity.

  • Whole-cluster fermentation (carbonic or semi-carbonic maceration) enhances freshness and vibrant fruitiness—a signature Beaujolais method.

  • Wines are typically unfined and unfiltered to preserve purity.

  • Minimal to zero sulfur is added at bottling, depending on vintage and cuvée.

  • Aging takes place in old oak barrels or concrete tanks, avoiding new wood to keep focus on fruit and terroir.

Focus on Gamay

Domaine La Patelle cultivates primarily Gamay grapes sourced from various lieux-dits within the Saint-Amour appellation and occasionally other Beaujolais crus. The result is a range of expressive, elegant, and lively reds that perfectly balance drinkability with complexity.

As part of the exciting new wave of natural Beaujolais producers, Domaine La Patelle offers wines that authentically reflect their origins and the passion behind their creation.

Where to Find Domaine La Patelle Wines (Romain Roche)

Online Retailers (Global & EU Focus)

Wine-Searcher.com **Your primary resource for global availability.** Search for "Domaine La Patelle" or "Romain Roche" to find merchants listing their wines and compare prices. Stock can be limited.
Grandi Bottiglie (Online, Europe) A European online retailer that occasionally lists Domaine La Patelle wines, including their Beaujolais-Villages and Saint-Amour.
MORE Natural Wine (Online, Europe) A prominent online retailer specializing in natural wines, frequently stocking Domaine La Patelle cuvées.
RAW WINE (Producer Profile - Provides Retailer/Distributor Links) The RAW WINE fair website features a producer profile for Domaine La Patelle, which often includes links to their global distributors and key retailers.
Vivino.com (Community Reviews & Retailer Links) Vivino provides an overview of available wines and links to various online retailers that have previously stocked Domaine La Patelle.
**Specialized Natural Wine Shops Online:** Due to their focus on natural winemaking, many online retailers globally specializing in low-intervention wines, especially from Beaujolais, are prime sources for Domaine La Patelle.

International Retailers & Distributors (Examples by Region)

  • **France (Beaujolais & Beyond):**
    • **Winery Direct Sales & Visits:** Domaine La Patelle does not appear to have an easily accessible online shop. For direct inquiries or visits, it's best to contact them via their social media (e.g., Instagram: @domainelapatelle) or through their importers. The domaine is located in Saint-Amour-Bellevue.
    • **Specialized Wine Shops (Cavistes) & Restaurants:** Highly sought after in natural wine-focused shops, wine bars, and bistros across France, particularly in Beaujolais, Lyon, and Paris.
  • **United States:**
    • **Selection Massale:** A key importer for Domaine La Patelle in many US states. Check their website (selectionmassale.com) for their specific portfolio and for local distributors/retailers in your state.
    • **Chambers Street Wines (NYC):** A renowned natural wine shop that frequently stocks Domaine La Patelle, including their Saint-Amour (chambersstwines.com).
    • **Specialty Natural Wine Retailers:** Found in leading independent wine shops in major metropolitan areas (e.g., New York City, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Chicago, Portland, Seattle, Austin) that specialize in artisanal French wines, especially those from Beaujolais.
  • **United Kingdom:**
    • **Gergovie Wines:** A UK importer and retailer specializing in natural wines from France, including Domaine La Patelle. Check their website for current stock (gergovie.co.uk).
    • **Vivant Selections:** Another UK importer/distributor for natural wines that often lists Domaine La Patelle.
    • **Independent Natural Wine Merchants & Wine Bars:** Widely available in the UK's natural wine scene, particularly in London.
  • **Canada:**
    • *Availability in Canada will depend on provincial liquor board listings (e.g., LCBO in Ontario, SAQ in Quebec) or specialized private importers focusing on high-quality natural Beaujolais wines. Inquire directly with specialized wine shops.*
  • **Germany:**
    • *Look for specialized natural wine shops or online platforms that import low-intervention French wines from Beaujolais.*
  • **Denmark:**