Philippe Chatillon

is a unique and highly respected figure in the Jura natural wine scene. Known as a "philosopher-winemaker," Philippe approaches viticulture and winemaking with a deeply thoughtful and intellectual perspective, crafting wines that are pure, complex, and evocative. After gaining experience at notable Jura estates such as Domaine des Cavarodes, he launched his own bold project in 2011 in Passenans, driven by a radical vision of natural wine.

Philippe’s philosophy is among the most uncompromising in the region, emphasizing absolute minimal intervention to reveal the purest expression of terroir and vintage:

  • Biodynamic Viticulture: Managing primarily his own vineyards, Philippe follows strict biodynamic practices, nurturing the vineyard as a living ecosystem and focusing on soil vitality and vine health. His approach surpasses certification standards, aiming for profound energetic harmony.

  • Minimal Intervention in the Cellar:

    • Hand-harvested grapes with meticulous sorting.

    • Spontaneous fermentations driven solely by native yeasts, often proceeding very slowly.

    • Wines are never fined or filtered, preserving their natural texture and complexity.

    • Zero added sulfur at any stage, including bottling—an essential pillar of his winemaking philosophy.

  • Extended Aging: Wines mature for extended periods—often several years—in a variety of vessels such as neutral oak barrels, concrete eggs, and clay amphorae. This slow élevage fosters complexity, stability, and unique character.

  • Pure Terroir Expression: Philippe guides his wines with the lightest possible touch, allowing them to develop their own balance and energy. Due to his experimental methods and strict natural approach, many of his wines are classified as Vin de France, outside traditional AOC rules.

Philippe Chatillon works with Jura’s classic grape varieties—Chardonnay, Savagnin, Poulsard, Trousseau, and Pinot Noir—producing a range of distinct, often single-varietal or single-vineyard wines. His wines are celebrated for their purity, vibrant acidity, and profound mineral intensity.

Where to Find Philippe Chatillon Wines (Jura, France)

Online Retailers (Global & EU Focus)

Wine-Searcher.com **Your primary resource for global availability and pricing.** Search for "Philippe Chatillon" to find merchants listing his wines.
Buvance (Online, France/Europe) Another excellent online source for Philippe Chatillon's wines, though due to rarity, stock is infrequent.
Natural Wines (Online, France/Europe) A French online shop dedicated to natural wines, providing producer profiles and sometimes availability for Philippe Chatillon.
RAW WINE (Producer Profile - Provides Retailer/Distributor Links) The RAW WINE fair website features a producer profile for Philippe Chatillon, which often includes links to their global distributors and key retailers.
**Specialized Natural Wine Shops Online:** Due to his cult status and extremely limited production, Philippe Chatillon's wines are primarily found through highly specialized online retailers and allocated lists.

International Retailers & Distributors (Examples by Region)

  • **France (Jura & Beyond):**
    • **Winery Direct Sales & Visits:** Philippe Chatillon is located at **25 Place du Champ de Foire, 39230 Passenans, France**. Visits are extremely rare and by personal invitation or very special arrangement only, reflecting his singular focus on winemaking. Direct contact is often via email or through his trusted importers.
      Email: [No public email readily available, but generally accessible via key importers]
    • **Specialized Wine Shops (Cavistes) & Restaurants:** His wines are highly sought after by top natural wine shops and fine dining restaurants in France, especially those with a deep focus on artisanal and allocated wines.
  • **United States:**
    • **Selection Massale (Importer):** A very prominent importer of natural wines into the US, Selection Massale is a key distributor for Philippe Chatillon. Their website provides detailed producer information and often indicates availability with their retail partners across various states (selectionmassale.com).
    • **Specialty Natural Wine Retailers:** Look for independent wine shops in major metropolitan areas with strong natural wine programs. Due to extreme rarity, these wines are typically allocated to long-standing customers or sold through waitlists. Shops that work with Selection Massale are the most likely source.
  • **United Kingdom:**
    • **Tutto Wines (Importer/Retailer):** A significant UK importer and retailer specializing in natural wines, representing Philippe Chatillon. They are an excellent source for his wines in the UK, though stock is very limited (tuttowines.com).
    • **Natural Wine Shops:** Given his iconic status, check with dedicated natural wine shops in London and other major UK cities that handle highly allocated wines.
  • **Germany:**
    • **Viniculture (Importer/Retailer):** A well-known natural wine importer in Germany that often features Philippe Chatillon in their portfolio. Inquire with them or their partner retailers (viniculture.de).
    • *Look for other specialized importers of high-quality French biodynamic/natural wines.*
  • **Asia (e.g., Japan, Hong Kong):**
    • *Philippe Chatillon's wines are highly prized in Asian natural wine markets. Seek out specialized importers and retailers in major cities.*