Domaine Ratte is a small, family estate in Arbois, Jura. Michel-Henri and Françoise Ratte care for vines inherited from Françoise’s parents and parcels added over the years; today they work with their son Quentin. The estate totals about 9 hectares and is certified Demeter for biodynamics. Their approach is simple: healthy vineyards first, then gentle work in the cellar with as little handling as possible so the wine reflects the fruit.

They farm classic Jura grapes — Savagnin (often labeled “Naturé”), Chardonnay, Poulsard, Trousseau, and Pinot Noir — and bottle several wines by single site. Notable plots include Les Corvées, a west-facing slope of red marl well suited to Trousseau, and Grand Curoulet, clay-limestone soils rich in ancient marine fossils that bring a clear mineral stamp to their Chardonnay. These vineyards give structure to the range and help you taste the differences from place to place.

What drives the family is respect for their land and for local traditions. Biodynamics is their way to keep the soils alive; low-intervention winemaking keeps the wines honest and drinkable at the table. Recent vintages underline this focus on clarity: site-named bottlings like Chardonnay “Grand Curoulet” and Trousseau “Les Corvées” aim to show fruit, texture, and the character of Arbois rather than heavy makeup. If you’re curious about Jura, Domaine Ratte offers a straightforward, place-driven introduction made by people who live with their vines every day.