François Cotat - Sancerre "La Grande Côte" 2024

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• Origin: Sancerre, Loire, France
• Appellation: Sancerre AOC
• Grape variety: 100% Sauvignon Blanc
• Alcohol content: approx. 13.0%
• Style: Intensely mineral, saline, layered and very precise
• Aging potential: Now until 2038+

Sancerre "La Grande Côte" 2023 by François Cotat is an impressively precise and concentrated Sauvignon Blanc that allows the chalky terroir of Chavignol to speak in its purest form. The wine opens with aromas of lemon zest, lime, white peach, and ripe gooseberry, interwoven with smoky flint, chalk, and subtle floral notes. On the palate, it is crisp and energetic, with a deep core of citrus and stone fruit, supported by vibrant acidity and a distinct chalky tension. The finish is long, clean, and serene, with a saline minerality that lingers.

Vinification.
The grapes are hand-harvested on steep, chalky slopes and carefully selected. After gentle pressing, the must ferments slowly with minimal intervention to best preserve the terroir expression. Aging takes place on fine lees to build texture and complexity, with a slow maturation that gives the wine its characteristic depth and tension. The wine ages for approximately 10 to 14 months in barrel and/or tank (depending on the vintage), followed by several months of bottle aging before release.

The Domain.
Domaine François Cotat is one of Sancerre's absolute cult names and is located in Chavignol, a village known for its most chalky and mineral terroirs. The domain works on a small scale and traditionally, with a strong focus on low yields, manual harvesting, and vinification that interferes as little as possible. Cotat's wines are known for their combination of power and finesse, their pronounced minerality, and their exceptional aging potential. Due to limited production and high reputation, these bottles are true collector's items within the Loire.