Jura Has Arrived!
After months of waiting, the wines from Raphaël Monnier, Ratapoil and Catherine Hannoun, Domaine de la Loue, have arrived! We could not be happier to be representing these two domaines, without doubt both producing some of the most exciting wines in Jura right now.
Domaine de La Loue, Jura
Catherine Hannoun is based in Port Lesney, a small commune about 15 minutes north of Arbois which exudes the tranquility many associate with the hills of Jura. Having worked for many years in film, including on Mondovino (a film bringing some of the shadier practises of the global wine economy to light), Catherine settled in Jura in 2008. It was clear after working with Emmanuel Houillon for a year that this was the area for her, and in 2009 bought a small parcel of vines and her current cellar. She now has 3.2ha of vineyards of Chardonnay, Savagnin, Trousseau and Pinot Noir around Marnoz and Arbois and whilst she aims to make refreshing wines that in some ways follow the traditions of the area, she is not bound to the rules and regulations of the AOC. We are particular fans of her oxidative Savagnin which comes in at a refreshing 12% alcohol.
Ratapoil, Jura
To many, Ratapoil will need no introduction; Raphaël Monnier’s wines are some of the most iconic of the region. His interest in winemaking began some 20 years ago, first by working on a few small negociant projects with good friend Jean Baptiste Menigoz of Domaine Bottes Rouges. It was later in 2009 that he started Domaine Ratapoil while still a full-time history teacher, a career he has recently given up to put all his efforts into winemaking.
Jura is known for its tranquility and beauty, but north of Arbois towards the neighbouring region of Doubs where the Ratapoil cellar is located is on another level. The drive from Arbois winds through forest and field before arriving at the Monnier family home. The cellar, built into the side of the house, is barely large enough to contain the handful of barrels and tanks needed for each year’s harvest so frequent cellar-tetris and careful planning is essential.
2018 is the first year out of many that Raphaël has in fact experienced near to a full harvest, previous vintages being the victim of frost and hail. That said, we are at the back of a long queue for his wines, so unfortunately quantities are extremely limited.
By way of ensuring he does not fall foul of the variable yield each year, Raphaël has created a new negociant line of wines, Avis de Tempete, literally translated as storm warning, which we will hopefully be receiving at the start of next year.