2022 Domaine Bonnet-Cotton Cte de Brouilly “Les Grilles”, Beaujolais, France

ABOUT THIS WINE

Sourced from the steep, south-facing slopes of Cte de Brouilly, this Gamay is rooted in volcanic blue granite soils that impart a distinct minerality and finesse. Domaine Bonnet-Cotton employs organic farming with minimal intervention, allowing the terroir to shine through. Fermentation is done with native yeasts using traditional semi-carbonic maceration, enhancing aromatic complexity and texture. Aged in neutral vessels to preserve freshness, this wine is both expressive and structured, offering immediate pleasure while having the potential to evolve beautifully over a few years.

ABOUT THIS PRODUCER

Pierre Cotton is just getting started with his domaine, but already the potential is clearly tremendous. The Sanvers family have been farming and producing wine at the same chai in Odenas since 1856. Legend has it that the large chai with its cavernous cellars was built in the 18th century to make the wines for the nearby Chateau de Pierreux, and over the years it has housed a rotating group of producers. Today, Pierre and his parents are the sole producers to make wine here.

After working for a short stint as a motorcycle mechanic, Pierre spent two years in the Loire Valley before returning to the domaine. In 2014, he reclaimed 1 hectare of Cte de Brouilly for his first cuve – 100% Cotton. In 2015, he reclaimed another 2 hectares of Brouilly from the family holdings, and in 2016, he purchased 1 hectare of Regni, and 1 hectare of Beaujolais. Starting in 2017, he will harvest 0.3 HA of Beaujolais Blanc on a unique vein of limestone near the domaine, with the possibility to plant more Blanc in the future.

Inspired by tasting wines with compatriot friends Yann Bertrand, Jules Metras, and Keke Descombes, Pierres wines are all farmed organically and made without any sulfur. Vinification is semi-carbonic in large cement tanks, and then the wines are aged for 8-9 months in old foudres that range in size from 14 to 42 hectoliters.

65 years old-vines. Organic, vinified without sulfur and unfiltered. Cottons parcel is on a unique terroir of corne verte that Pierre says is found nowhere else in the Beaujolais. Corne Verte is a blend of pink granite and diorite. Elevage for 8 months in used foudres. Annual production of 2,700 bottles.