In the picturesque town of Arbois, Domaine Ratte is a labour of love for Michel-Henri and Franoise Ratte. With vineyards in Franoise’s family for generations, they finally broke free from contract farming in 2015 to produce their own wines from some of the best terroirs in Arbois.

The 2022 Domaine Ratte Nature Savagnin, also known as “Natur,” is a stunning wine from the Pr Levront vineyard, where some vines date back over a century. Franoise prefers a non-oxidative style, keeping the barrels topped up to preserve freshness.

The wine bursts with aromas of pear, lemon, and herbal notes, accompanied by a hint of reductive struck match that benefits from decanting. The palate is full of honey, toast, brine, and a touch of fino sherry, all underscored by a vibrant, juicy finish. it’s texturally sublime – supple and soft, yet tightly wound with saline acidity.

It’s mouth-watering, impossibly long and complex, and just so delicious to drink. A remarkable Jura Savagnin from Domaine Ratte.

96 points
“Gosh, all the hallmarks of this outstanding variety. Smells rich but so much dimension, honey, toast, brine, fino sherry, lime, lemon, green apple, peach. The palate is supple and soft but the tight wind of saline acidity is outstanding and tense. Suppleness maybe a feature but the complexity here is writ large. So very amazing and good to drink.”
– Mike Bennie (The Wine Front)