Domaine de Ratapoil: Raphaël Monnier – Jura's Unfiltered Soul
In the heart of the Jura, where rolling hills meet ancient limestone, Raphaël Monnier of Domaine de Ratapoil crafts wines that speak directly of their land and his deeply held philosophy. Far from the conventional path, Raphaël embodies the spirit of an authentic vigneron, dedicated to expressing the raw, vibrant character of this unique French wine region.
Raphaël's journey to winemaking was driven by a passion for natural expression. Eschewing chemical interventions and manipulative techniques, he works his vineyards with meticulous care, fostering a biodiverse ecosystem where the vines can thrive. In the cellar, his approach is equally minimalist: fermentations are spontaneous, driven by native yeasts, and the wines are bottled unfined and unfiltered, often with no added sulfur or only minimal amounts. This hands-off method allows the true essence of the Jura's terroir – its distinctive soils and climate – to shine through.
At Domaine de Ratapoil, each bottle tells a story of the vintage, the specific parcel, and Raphaël's unwavering commitment to purity. From his expressive Ploussard to his profound Chardonnay and Savagnin, his wines are known for their captivating energy, vibrant acidity, and compelling minerality. They are wines of character, often with an exhilarating edge, reflecting the wild beauty and uncompromising nature of the Jura itself.
Beyond the label of "natural wine," Raphaël Monnier's work is a testament to honest winemaking. He invites you to discover the unfiltered soul of the Jura through his exceptional wines – lively, authentic, and utterly unforgettable.
-
iDealwine: A prominent online wine auction and sales platform that often features wines from Domaine Ratapoil.
Beattie & Roberts: UK-based importer and online shop for natural wines, a key source for Ratapoil.
winenatur.com: Online natural wine retailer, lists several Ratapoil cuvées.
Lieu-Dit: Danish online retailer for natural, organic, and biodynamic wines, offering various Domaine Ratapoil selections.
PuraVid: Spanish online wine shop, lists "Ratapoil, Raphael Monnier, L'Ingénu."
Vivino: Good for discovering user reviews and potentially identifying sellers in your region.
Wine-Searcher: The most comprehensive tool for finding specific wines and the merchants that sell them globally. Search for "Raphael Monnier" or "Domaine Ratapoil."
https://www.wine-searcher.com/find/raphael+monier (General search for Raphael Monnier)
Swiss Retailers (relevant to your location)
Les amis du château vin naturel: A Swiss natural wine retailer that explicitly lists Raphaël Monnier (Ratapoil) as a producer they work with.
US Importers & Retailers (for broader context)
Selection Massale: A prominent US importer of natural wines, they are a key source for Raphaël Monnier's wines in the US market. (Often distributes to smaller, specialized wine shops).
Vanderbilt Ave Wine Merchants (Brooklyn, NY): Has carried Domaine Ratapoil wines.