Domaine Ratte — Pure Jura Wines from a Biodynamic Pioneer
Based in the heart of Arbois, Domaine Ratte is a highly regarded family-run estate at the forefront of Jura's natural wine movement. Since 1989, Michel-Henri and Françoise Ratte have stewarded the domaine with a steadfast commitment to biodynamic farming and minimal intervention winemaking. Today, their son Quentin Ratte has joined them, continuing the family’s dedication to crafting expressive, terroir-driven wines.
A Deep Commitment to Biodynamics
Domaine Ratte has been certified Bio and Demeter since the early 1990s, making them one of the region’s earliest adopters of biodynamic practices. They believe this holistic approach infuses the vines with vitality and energy, producing wines that are vibrant, precise, and alive.
The estate cultivates 9 hectares of vineyards across prestigious Arbois lieux-dits, including Les Corvées, Clos Maire, Grand Curoulet, Pré Levront, and others—many of which are home to vines aged 80 to 100 years.
Winemaking: Precision Without Intervention
The Ratte family takes a hands-off approach in the cellar, focusing on letting the vineyard speak through the wine:
Hand-harvested grapes, carefully sorted
Spontaneous fermentation with native yeasts
Zero added sulfur across all wines
No fining or filtration (except occasionally)
Aged in stainless steel tanks to preserve freshness and minerality, with minimal use of oak
Françoise Ratte champions the "ouillé" (topped-up) style for white wines, avoiding oxidation to highlight Jura’s natural acidity, purity of fruit, and crystalline expression of terroir.
Native Varieties & Single-Parcel Wines
Domaine Ratte works with all five traditional Jura grape varieties:
Chardonnay, Savagnin, Poulsard, Trousseau, and Pinot Noir, bottling a number of single-parcel cuvées that reflect the nuances of each site.
Their wines are marked by clarity, tension, and energy—beloved by natural wine enthusiasts and Jura purists alike.
Where to Find Domaine Ratte Wines
Online Retailers (Global & EU Focus)
International Retailers & Distributors (Examples by Region)
- **France (Jura & Beyond):**
- **Winery Direct Sales & Visits:** Domaine Ratte is located at 4 Rue Jean Mermoz, 39600 Arbois, France. They welcome visitors for tastings and cellar tours by appointment (sometimes even vineyard walks). Contact via phone or email for reservations. **Contact:** domaine-ratte.com (Check their "Contact" or "Actualités" page for details).
- **Specialized Wine Shops (Cavistes) & Restaurants:** Widely available in high-quality wine shops and restaurants across France, particularly those with a focus on biodynamic and natural wines from the Jura.
- **United States:**
- **Thirst Merchants (NY, PA):** A notable natural wine retailer and importer that often carries Domaine Ratte wines, including their single-vineyard expressions (thirstmerchants.com).
- **The Living Vine (Canada - Ontario, ships to US states):** While based in Canada, they are a significant importer of biodynamic wines and may have information on US distribution or direct shipping to some states (thelivingvine.ca).
- **Specialty Wine Retailers:** Look for independent wine shops in major metropolitan areas that emphasize biodynamic and traditional French wines, especially from the Jura.
- **United Kingdom:**
- **Parched Wine (Importer/Retailer):** A key UK importer that frequently stocks Domaine Ratte wines, known for their pure, topped-up Jurassic expressions (parched.wine).
- **Independent Fine Wine & Natural Wine Merchants:** Check with natural wine specialists in London and other major UK cities.
- **Germany:**
- **Alles Wein (Online Retailer):** Stocks various Domaine Ratte wines (alleswein.com).
- *Look for other specialized importers of high-quality French biodynamic wines, particularly from the Jura.*
- **Singapore:**
- **Racine Wines Co.:** An online natural wine retailer in Singapore that lists Domaine Ratte wines (racinewinesco.com).