Domaine de Colette, Fleurie, Beaujolais, France, 2024

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

The vineyards are cultivated organically with very minimal intervention as Pierre-Alexandre’s approach is focussed on being as ecological as possible. Only organic manure is used as well as grassing over and shallow ploughing the rows. The soil is granitic and the old goblet style pruned vines average 50 years old. The harvest is all carried out by hand.

Winemaking

A selection is carried out at the sorting table. Vatting for 8 to 9 days, vinification of whole bunches with pneumatic pressing, followed by maturation in vats for 6 months.

Tasting Note

A beautifully vibrant wine with exuberant red berry fruit, supple tannins and gentle spice on the finish. The light body, mouth-watering freshness and approachable structure make this versatile and pleasing, with old vine intensity of character.

Food Matching

Makes the perfect partner for roast veal, soy chicken with sesame, game and red mullet.