Céline Coté
Yonne, Burgundy, France
WHERE
Céline Coté
WHO
Organic (AB) with Biodynamic practices
7ha of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, worked by hand and by horse.
HOW
Bourgogne Aligoté (W)
Bourgogne Chardonnay (W)
Bourgogne Tonnerre Barrique, Chardonnay (W)
Bourgogne Pinot Noir (R)
Bourgogne Cuvée Julia, Pinot Noir (R)
Bourgogne Epineuil, Pinot Noir (R)
Bourgogne Destrier, Pinot Noir (R)
WINES
Situated between Tonnerre and Molosmes, this is Burgundy at its most northerly and intriguing; the intensely chalky, stony soils and south facing slopes the perfect home for Pinot, as well as Chardonnay.
Céline Coté has lived and worked here since her birth, albeit with a brief stint in Paris before returning home to work her family’s vines.
With the help of her trusty horse, Absinthe, she farms the 7 hectares of Aligoté, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir organically, with biodynamic preparations and practices.
A conscious decision to slow down, reinvigorate the soils and breathe life in to her vineyards has led to wines of great character, purity and place.
This Aligoté comes from the northern most part of Burgundy, between the towns of Tonnerre and Molosmes, not far from Chablis. Céline Coté farms 7 hectares of grapes organically, with biodynamic practices, alongside her trusty horse, Absinthe.
This is an Aligoté with lovely tension and a rounded, creamy texture. Apples, pear and apricot.
100% Aligoté
12.5% alc.
Limestone soils, south facing vineyards.
Tonnerre, Yonne
100% Pinot Noir
Biodynamic
12%
This cuvée comes from 2 parcels on the same slope - ‘Les Champsoins’. The first parcel was planted in 2008, and the second over 60 years ago.
Manual harvest. 100% destemmed. Fermentation in stainless steel. 10 months elevage in both stainless steel and up to 10% in old oak.
Poor, shallow clay-limestone soils with a very stony top soil. The sub soil is made up of Exogyres and Kimmeridgien clays.
Tonnerre, Yonne
100% Chardonnay
Biodynamic
12.5%
Argilo-Calcaire Soils
Tonnerre, Yonne
100% Pinot Noir
Biodynamic
12.5%
A small 1.5 ha parcel, south-east exposure. The vines are 20 plus years old.
Manual harvest. 100% destemmed. Fermentation and elevage take place within the same concrete tank. 10 months in concrete.
More structured, mineral and compact. Hint of reduction.
Poor, shallow clay-limestone soils with a very stony top soil. The sub soil is made up of Exogyres and Kimmeridgien clays.
Tonnerre, Yonne
100% Chardonnay
Biodynamic
13%
Manual harvest, direct press. Fermentation and elevage are both carried out in 70% tank, 30% oak barrel (new and old). No batonnage. 6 months elevage.
Poor, shallow clay-limestone soils with a very stony top soil. The sub soil is made up of Exogyres and Kimmeridgien clays.
Tonnerre, Yonne
100% Pinot Noir
Biodynamic
13.5%
The grapes for Destrier come from a 1ha plot that is completely worked by hand and horse, in order to preserve the integrity of the soil.
Manual harvest. 100% destemmed. Fermentation takes place in stainless steel and then 10% spends 10 months in new oak.
Darker, plusher damson lead fruit. Silky, persistent tannins. Savoury.
Poor, shallow clay-limestone soils with a very stony top soil. The sub soil is made up of Exogyres and Kimmeridgien clays.
Tonnerre, Yonne
100% Pinot Noir
Biodynamic
12%
This cuvée comes from Pinot vines across the domaine, from a total of 0.5 ha. Manual harvest. 100% destemmed. Fermentation in stainless steel. 10 months elevage in both stainless steel and barrel.
Fresh raspberries, pine, resin and a hint of flint. Soft, silky texture.
Poor, shallow clay-limestone soils with a very stony top soil. The sub soil is made up of Exogyres and Kimmeridgien clays.