Bright straw. Captivating, pungent nose shows poached pear, licorice, wet stone and tobacco, with a subtle herbal nuance adding further complexity. Velvety, pure and dry but not austere, with intense minerality firming the lush orchard and pit fruit flavors. The very long, dusty, mineral-dominated finish refuses to let up.
The Cotat estate has a fascinating history that began in 1947 when brothers Francis and Paul started cultivating Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir on the slopes of the renowned "Monts Damnés" in Chavignol. They produced a single cuvée, each bottling under their own labels. Upon their retirement, the estate was divided between their sons, François and Pascal. François continues the family tradition, crafting exceptional Sancerre wines in an organic, old-school style. These wines are known for their distinctive, full-flavored character and are sometimes considered "atypical" to the Sancerre appellation.
Pascal Cotat, despite being one of the smallest producers in France with only 2 hectares of vineyards, has earned a remarkable reputation in the Fine Wine world. He is renowned for creating Sauvignon Blancs that possess exceptional aging potential. Pascal's vineyards in Chavignol, specifically the Grande Côte and the Monts Damnés, are home to vines that are over 40 years old, adding to the quality and character of his wines. With a unique approach to harvesting, Pascal waits two weeks longer than other producers in Sancerre, resulting in wines with outstanding ripeness. The winemaking process at Cotat is meticulous, with both wines being fermented in old barrels and aged for 6 to 8 months before being bottled in the spring without any fining or filtration, preserving their natural essence.