Francois CotatProducer from Loire, France

François Cotat is synonymous with exceptional Sancerre wines, revered by connoisseurs for their unique style and ageing potential. The winery, located in the quaint village of Chavignol, Sancerre, has a storied history that traces back generations. Francois Cotat, along with his brother Pascal, inherited the family's winemaking tradition, and today Francois continues to uphold the legacy with his distinctive approach to viticulture and winemaking.

"Francois Cotat’s wines are among the most distinctive and age-worthy in Sancerre." - Wine Advocate
"These are not your typical Sancerre wines; they are richer, more complex, and truly cellar-worthy." - Decanter

Francois Cotat's vineyards span five hectares on some of Sancerre's most renowned hillsides, including Les Monts Damnés, Cul de Beaujeu, and the lesser-known Grands Côtes. These sites are characterized by their steep slopes and diverse soil compositions, predominantly limestone and Kimmeridgian marl, which impart a unique minerality and complexity to the wines. The challenging terrain requires meticulous vineyard management, but the reward is grapes with exceptional ripeness and concentration.

The Winemaking Philosophy:

Francois Cotat is known for his idiosyncratic, hands-off winemaking style, shunning modern technology that many of his contemporaries embrace. He believes in minimal intervention, allowing the natural character of the terroir to shine through. Francois's approach includes late harvesting, which results in high degrees of ripeness and rich, concentrated flavors in the wines. As he puts it, “The young generation is doing things more simply, and I have more in common with them, although they think I’m a bear.”

The grapes are hand-harvested and often the last to be picked in the region. Fermentations are conducted with wild yeasts, and there is no settling, leading to high solids in the must. Francois does not filter his wines, retaining all the natural goodness and complexity. The wines are then bottled relatively early, capturing their vibrant freshness and intensity.

The Style of Francois Cotat’s Wines:

Francois Cotat produces four white cuvées, a well-priced Rosé, and a red Sancerre. His white wines, particularly from the famed Les Monts Damnés and Cul de Beaujeu vineyards, are known for their remarkable structure and ageing potential. These wines exhibit a distinctive concentration and complexity, with layers of ripe fruit, minerality, and balanced acidity. They defy the typical Sancerre profile, offering a richer, more profound experience that stands the test of time.

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Wines produced at Francois Cotat:

Francois Cotat Les Monts Damnés

Francois Cotat's Les Monts Damnés is a profound expression of Sancerre, sourced from one of the region's most famous vineyards. This wine is known for its intense minerality, vibrant acidity, and rich concentration of ripe citrus and stone fruit flavours. Its complex, layered profile offers exceptional ageing potential, making it a standout in any cellar.

Francois Cotat Cul de Beaujeu

Francois Cotat's Cul de Beaujeu comes from a prestigious vineyard site in Sancerre, characterized by steep slopes and Kimmeridgian marl soils. This wine exhibits powerful aromatics of ripe peach, apricot, and citrus, balanced by a backbone of flinty minerality. The late-harvested grapes contribute to its full-bodied texture and impressive depth, perfect for long-term ageing.

Francois Cotat La Grande Côte

La Grande Côte by Francois Cotat is celebrated for its elegance and complexity. Sourced from a single vineyard with limestone-rich soils, this wine offers a harmonious blend of floral notes, white peach, and citrus zest. Its precise acidity and mineral-driven finish make it a refined example of Sancerre’s potential for nuanced, age-worthy wines.

Francois Cotat Les Culs de Beaujeu Rosé

Francois Cotat's Les Culs de Beaujeu Rosé is a unique expression of Sancerre rosé, crafted with the same care as his renowned whites. This rosé features vibrant notes of red berries, citrus, and subtle floral hints. Its refreshing acidity and mineral undertones make it an excellent choice for summer sipping or pairing with light dishes.

Francois Cotat Les Culs de Beaujeu Rouge

The Les Culs de Beaujeu Rouge by Francois Cotat is a rare red Sancerre, showcasing the depth and complexity of Pinot Noir from this region. It offers a bouquet of red cherries, raspberries, and earthy nuances, with a well-structured palate marked by fine tannins and a lingering mineral finish. This wine is a testament to the versatility and excellence of Cotat's winemaking.