Pascal Cotat farms in Chavignol, on a south-facing slope so steep and so purely limestone that the resulting wines were once denied the Sancerre appellation for being too atypical, a rebuke that reads today like a compliment. Indigenous yeast, ancient demi-muids, no fining or filtering: 45-year-old vines translated with almost nothing in the way, all salted citrus and chalk running straight down the mid-palate. This is Sauvignon Blanc as a place, not a flavor profile.
Winemaker Notes
100% Sauvignon Blanc Considered one of the top vineyards in all of Sancerre South facing, very steep slope on pure limestone 45+ year old vines Indigenous yeast Fermented and 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.
