Domaine de Colette, Beaujolais Villages Blanc, Beaujolais, France, 2023

Producer Profile

Domaine de Colette is located in the heart of the Crus du Beaujolais, in the charming village of Lantignié – regarded by many as the premium village in the cru of Regnié.

Run by the humble Jacky Gauthier, it was founded by his father René. Jacky studied oenology at the tender age of 17 and immediately started working with his father in the vineyards. Today he is joined by his son Pierre-Alexandre, whose invigorating youthful enthusiasm has seen a further move to full organic practices and adoption of France’s new sustainability certification in line with the family’s philosophy of ‘terroir is their true wealth’. The vineyards are home to vines averaging 45 years of age, but one plot, called Colette, averages over 80 years. For visitors, the views from the cellar and reception room are nothing short of exceptional, extending across the rolling Beaujolais vineyards and the Saône Valley to the Alps, where Mont Blanc is visible on a clear day.

Viticulture

Soils are clay-limestone with a southeast exposition, and vines averaging 10-20 years of age. The vineyards are cultivated using the Haute Valeur Environnementale approach, a stricter practice than Lutte Raisonnée with only organic manure used as well as grassing over and shallow ploughing to maintain soil health. The harvest is all carried out by hand at optimal ripeness.

Winemaking

Grapes are selectively sorted in the vineyard, with whole bunch direct pressing at the winery. The juice is cold clarified for 24-48 hours followed by fermentation in stainless steel, usually lasting 3 weeks. Maturation for 6 months sur lie (on fine lees) before bottling.

Tasting Note

A delicately balanced wine from 100% Chardonnay grapes. Attractive floral, honeysuckle and lime tree aromas, with ripe citrus freshness on the finish.

Food Matching

Serve with white fish such as John Dory or cod in a Beurre Blanc sauce, or delicious with fresh goats cheese.