Pascal Cotat farms a south-facing monopole in Chavignol so steep and thin-soiled that the vines, 45 years and up, have little to do but claw into Kimmeridgian limestone. Indigenous yeast, old demi-muids, unfined and unfiltered: this is Sauvignon Blanc with weight and a chalky spine through the mid-palate, not a grapefruit cocktail. Some Cotat vintages were denied the Sancerre appellation for being "atypical". Take that as the recommendation it is.
Winemaker Notes
100% Sauvignon Blanc A famed single-vineyard in Chavignol and a monopole for the Cotat cousins South facing, with very thin topsils Very steep slope with kimmeridgian limestone 45+ year old vines Indigenous yeast Fermented in very old demi-muids and aged in old barrels Unfined and unfiltered
About the Producer
The venerable Cotat estate holds vineyards in the top-rated village of Chavignol, making tiny quantities of absolutely unforgettable wines. In fact, these wines are so distinctive that certain vintages were forbidden from using the Sancerre appellation, as they were deemed “atypical” for Sancerre. Regardless of whether they are called Sancerre or not, they are certainly outstanding in quality, exhibiting a perfect balance between fruit, minerality and acidity. Today they are recognized as the top producers in all of Sancerre.
