There are 5 hectares of vines at Domaine de Ratapoil, a name that reminds us of Raphaël Monnier's playful vision of himself as an amateur wine maker, though it was in 2009 that he launched his venture. Over the years, parcels across 8 communes have been planted with old grape varieties – not yet featured in the appellation criteria – such as Trousseau, Poulsard, Gamay, Gueuche, Petit Beclan, Poulsard Blanc, and Mézy. Raphaël's passion for history clearly hasn't left him. He has converted the domain to organic growing, putting the vines at the heart of his work, guaranteeing a living soil and healthy, balanced plant life. He produces quite a large range, including appellation wines, vins de France and the famous ‘Avis de tempête' cuvées that demonstrate the innovative spirit of this wine maker: in 2017, a year that saw catastrophic weather conditions, he launched a négoce project, taking to the road in his refrigerated van to collect grapes that he vinifies under the name of ‘Avis de tempête', to the great relief of his loyal clients.

The name of this Côtes-du-Jura seems to whisper in your ear to come closer… and with good reason! Its notes of red fruits balanced by a nice acidity recall the Poulsard grape from which the cuvée is produced. The vineyard is located in the Buvilly municipality, on soils of black marl. The vines are 50 years old on average. The grapes are harvested by hand, destemmed and the macerate for three weeks. They then undergo a maturation period of 18 months in stainless-steel vats. Vinifications are done using indigenous yeasts, with no chaptalisation. Sulphur is only used when absolutely necessary, in tiny quantities. The wines are neither fined nor fiiltered. We would recommend tasting this bottle within two years of the vintage, but fret not should you find it after a few years – it will be delicious for up to ten years.