Domaine Ratte

Overview

Domaine Ratte is a small, 8-hectare biodynamic estate (Demeter certified) in Arbois, run by Michel-Henri and Françoise Ratte and their son Quentin (who joined after completing viticulture/oenology studies). The domaine was founded in 1989 from parcels inherited from Françoise’s family combined with some purchases. All farming has been organic since the start, with biodynamics adopted over time. Key assets: 80-year-old Pinot Noir vines (with selection massale younger vines from the same genetic material) and a plot of Savagnin planted by Françoise’s great-grandfather that is now over 100 years old. All whites are done in the Ouillé (non-oxidative) style. Gilman calls this a “new discovery” in VFTC #111 and notes the wines represent excellent value.

Appellations

• Jura — Arbois; Chardonnay, Savagnin, Trousseau (Pinot Noir)

Key Wines

• Chardonnay “Grand Curoulet” Vieilles Vignes — single vineyard; Ouillé style; biodynamic; “puppy” and tightly-knit young; 2022 scored 93+
• Savagnin “Naturé” — Ouillé; Pré Levront vineyard; 20yo vines (plus the 100+yo old vine section); 12.5% ABV; 2022 scored 93
• Trousseau “les Corvées” — Coteaux des Corvées vineyard, Arbois; 13.5% in 2022; seamless tannins; 2022 scored 92+

Style Notes

Ouillé Chardonnay is elegant, pure, stony-mineral with good spine of acidity — lighter on its feet than one might expect from Jura’s higher-clay soils, due to altitude and cool evenings. The Savagnin shows the variety’s hallmark vibrancy and acidity without oxidative character. The Trousseau is dark-fruited, espresso-tinged, smooth and long.

My Tastings

(none yet)

Sources

• sources/articles/VFTC/VFTC May-June 2024 #111.txt — Jura/Savoie section (pages 51–52, 53, 59): debut tasting; Chardonnay Grand Curoulet (93+), Savagnin Naturé (93), Trousseau les Corvées (92+)