The 2023 Domaine François Cotat Sancerre La Grande Côte comes from the steep slopes above Chavignol, where the Cotat family has worked the same chalk for generations and François continues the methods of his father and uncle. La Grande Côte faces south on almost pure Kimmeridgian chalk, the same rock as Chablis, and holds the domaine's oldest vines.
Hand-picked, fermented slowly with wild yeasts in old demi-muids and barriques that add no oak flavour, and bottled without fining or filtration. It is the most generous of Cotat's Sancerres: orchard fruit, violets and nectarine, a lacy texture that conceals real structure, and a long, chalky, mineral finish. Of the Cotat range it is generally considered to have the longest ageing potential.
Ben's Recommendation:
At Wine More Cellars, Cotat is sold on allocation and we receive very few bottles. Lovely now with a decant, but this is a white to cellar: ten years is not ambitious. Serve at 11–12°C with Crottin de Chavignol, roast poultry or a whole baked fish.
