Les Bottes Rouges – Natural Wines from Jura’s Jean-Baptiste Menigoz

Les Bottes Rouges, meaning “The Red Boots,” is the acclaimed natural wine domaine led by Jean-Baptiste Menigoz in the Jura region of France. Originally a teacher, Jean-Baptiste transitioned into winemaking, inspired by Jura legends like Stéphane Tissot and his friend Raphaël Monnier (Domaine Ratapoil). He founded Les Bottes Rouges in 2012, initially renting vines, and since 2014 has partnered with Florien Kleine Snuverink to grow the domaine.

A Philosophy of Minimal Intervention

At Les Bottes Rouges, the focus is on expressing the unique terroirs of Jura through organic and biodynamic farmingand gentle winemaking techniques:

  • Organic and Biodynamic Viticulture: The domaine adheres to strict organic principles and integrates biodynamic treatments tailored to each vineyard. Several parcels have been Ecocert organic certified since 2012. Operations like bottling and racking are timed according to the lunar calendar to respect natural rhythms.

  • Natural Fermentation: All wines are fermented spontaneously using native yeasts found on the grapes.

  • No Fining or Filtration: Wines are generally unfined and unfiltered to preserve their texture and authenticity.

  • Minimal Sulfur Use: Les Bottes Rouges practices very low to no added sulfur, depending on the wine and vintage, relying on healthy grapes and soils to produce stable, vibrant wines.

  • Diverse Aging Methods: The wines are aged in a variety of vessels, including stainless steel tanks, large neutral oak foudres (3,000L), and smaller barrels (440L), allowing distinct expressions of terroir and grape variety.

Expressive Jura Grapes and Styles

The domaine cultivates Jura’s five classic grapes: Chardonnay, Savagnin, Poulsard, Trousseau, and Pinot Noir. Their wines include:

  • "Ouillé" Style Whites: Fresh and pure white wines made in the topped-up style to avoid oxidation, highlighting Chardonnay and Savagnin’s bright, crisp character.

  • Experimental Whites: Skin-contact whites like their intriguing “No Milk Today” showcase innovative natural winemaking techniques.

  • Single-Parcels & Unique Blends: Les Bottes Rouges is known for its diversity, crafting single-vineyard wines as well as creative blends that reflect the varied soils of their vineyards in Arbois and Abergement-le-Petit, spanning limestone, heavy clay, and marl.

Where to Find Les Bottes Rouges Wines (Jura, France)

Online Retailers (Global & EU Focus)

Wine-Searcher.com **Your primary resource for global availability and pricing.** Search for "Les Bottes Rouges" to find merchants listing their wines.
Buvance (Online, France/Europe) A key online merchant for natural wines, frequently stocking a good selection of Les Bottes Rouges, including popular cuvées like "Léon" and various reds.
Petites Caves (Online, France/Europe) Another excellent French online shop specializing in natural wines, with a regularly updated inventory of Les Bottes Rouges' diverse range.
Gallienoteca (Online, Europe - Italy based) An Italian online retailer that often carries a selection of Les Bottes Rouges wines.
**Specialized Natural Wine Shops Online:** Given their status, many online retailers globally focusing on organic, biodynamic, and natural wines will carry Les Bottes Rouges, though stock can be limited due to demand.

International Retailers & Distributors (Examples by Region)

  • **France (Jura & Beyond):**
    • **Winery Direct Sales & Visits:** Les Bottes Rouges is located at **10 Rue du Lavoir Limpide, 39800 Abergement-le-Petit, France**. As a small, artisanal domaine, visits are typically by appointment only. It's best to contact Jean-Baptiste Menigoz or Florien Kleine Snuverink directly in advance.
      Email: lesbottesrouges@free.fr
      Phone: +33 6 08 07 46 61
    • **Specialized Wine Shops (Cavistes) & Restaurants:** Widely sought after in natural wine-focused shops and restaurants across France, especially in the Jura region and major cities.
  • **United States:**
    • **Selection Massale (Importer):** A prominent importer of natural wines into the US, Selection Massale is a key distributor for Les Bottes Rouges. Their website provides detailed producer information and often indicates which wines are available to their retail partners across various states (selectionmassale.com).
    • **Specialty Natural Wine Retailers:** Look for independent wine shops in major metropolitan areas that emphasize natural, biodynamic, and traditional French wines from the Jura. Retailers that work with Selection Massale are most likely to stock Les Bottes Rouges.
  • **United Kingdom:**
    • **Buon Vino (Importer/Retailer):** A significant UK importer and retailer specializing in biodynamic and natural wines, frequently stocking Les Bottes Rouges (buonvino.co.uk).
    • **Terra Wines (Importer/Retailer):** Another key UK importer of natural wines, including Les Bottes Rouges (terrawines.co.uk).
    • **The Sourcing Table (Retailer):** Has listed Les Bottes Rouges wines previously (thesourcingtable.com).
    • **Independent Natural Wine Merchants:** Les Bottes Rouges is highly popular in the UK natural wine scene; check with dedicated shops in London and other cities.
  • **Germany:**
    • **Viniculture (Importer/Retailer):** A well-known natural wine importer in Germany that often features Les Bottes Rouges in their portfolio. Inquire with them or their partner retailers (viniculture.de).
    • **Natural Wine Dealers (Online, EU):** Has listed Les Bottes Rouges wines (naturalwinedealers.com).
    • *Look for other specialized importers of high-quality French biodynamic/natural wines.*
  • **Australia:**
    • **Living Wines (Importer):** A prominent importer of natural wines into Australia, representing Les Bottes Rouges. Inquire with Australian retailers who stock from Living Wines (livingwines.com.au).