From: Chassagne-Montrachet, Côte de Beaune, Burgundy, France
Varietal: Pinot Noir
Taste: This tasting note is 100% accurate but misses just how good this is. Have you loved Sancerre Rosé or Rosé from the Willamette Valley? This is better. Ethereal, graceful, chiseled, and racy with perfectly ripe red fruits that dance on a citrusy, pillowy cloud that rides on a chalky finish like the fae folk. It's the antithesis of the basic b rosé from Provence and the savory rosés of Marsannay (and both of those are lovely and have a place; I'm just trying to contextualize this beauty). While you should enjoy every sip of this now (I'm saving one for Thanksgiving), it will continue to be a bright light throughout the winter and next year. Tasting Note: The 2022 Rosé de Pinot Noir vintage is bright and refreshing, with a pale salmon hue. On the nose, it offers aromatic notes of wild strawberries, red currants, and a hint of rose petals. Subtle undertones of citrus zest add to its freshness. The palate is crisp, lively, and elegant, with flavors that mirror the aromas—red berries, light floral notes, and a touch of minerality that lingers through the finish.
Pairing: From the Burgundy region, it complements classics like gougères (cheese puffs), which highlight its acidity and minerality, and jambon persillé (Burgundy-style ham terrine with parsley), which balances the wine’s fruitiness. Another regional pairing would be a Niçoise salad, with a mix of tuna, olives, and fresh vegetables that matches the rosé’s bright and refreshing profile well.
Beyond regional pairings, this rosé is also an excellent match for grilled shrimp or ceviche, where the acidity cuts through the richness of the seafood. It pairs beautifully with light salads featuring citrus vinaigrette and works well alongside charcuterie boards and soft cheeses like goat cheese or Brie. For some spice, consider Thai green curry with shrimp or chicken or Vietnamese spring rolls with a hint of fresh herbs and a light dipping sauce. Simple, elegant meals such as roasted chicken with spices, pasta primavera, or seared salmon with a lemon-butter sauce also make for delightful pairings.
Sheet-Pan Roasted Salmon Niçoise Salad
By Lidey Heuck
About. Pierre-Yves Colin-Morey is one of Burgundy's most celebrated and influential winemakers. He is known for producing some of the region's most sought-after white wines. His wines are particularly revered for their elegance, precision, and terroir expression, reflecting each vineyard site's distinct characteristics.
Pierre-Yves Colin, the eldest son of renowned winemaker Marc Colin, grew up immersed in the vineyards of Burgundy. He initially gained extensive experience working alongside his father at Domaine Marc Colin, learning traditional winemaking techniques and becoming well-versed in the nuances of vineyard management. After spending years as a co-manager at the family estate, Pierre-Yves established his label. In 2001, he founded Pierre-Yves Colin-Morey, beginning his independent winemaking journey. Initially, he produced wines under a négociant label while continuing to work at the family estate, but in 2005, he decided to dedicate himself to his own operation fully.
Pierre-Yves Colin's family connections have significantly shaped his approach to winemaking. His wife, Caroline Morey, comes from another esteemed Burgundian family, adding to the depth of his winemaking heritage. Caroline's family owns Domaine Jean-Marc Morey, and the two estates maintain a close relationship, sharing insights and philosophies. The shared knowledge between these two winemaking families has allowed Pierre-Yves to refine his techniques and innovate while respecting the region’s traditions.
The winery is located in Chassagne-Montrachet, in Burgundy's Côte de Beaune subregion, a renowned area for producing exceptional Chardonnay. Pierre-Yves sources grapes from his vineyards and trusted growers across the Côte de Beaune. The vineyards cover prestigious appellations, including Puligny-Montrachet, Meursault, Saint-Aubin, and Chassagne-Montrachet. The Côte de Beaune’s geography, characterized by rolling hills and varying altitudes, allows for diverse microclimates, which play a significant role in the flavor profiles of the wines.
Burgundy’s climate is continental, with cold winters and warm summers. The weather can be unpredictable, with the risk of spring frosts, hail, and other challenges. However, the region's unique terroir helps to produce wines that can age gracefully for decades. The cool climate ensures that Chardonnay grapes maintain a balance of acidity, and the warm summer days allow for full ripening, resulting in wines with depth, complexity, and vibrancy.
The concept of terroir is at the heart of Pierre-Yves Colin's winemaking philosophy. Each vineyard site is treated as a unique entity, and his winemaking style aims to express the individuality of each plot. The vineyards are planted on limestone-rich soils, which are vital for Chardonnay, providing a mineral-driven character to the wines. Pierre-Yves employs organic and biodynamic practices, ensuring that the vineyards are healthy and sustainable. He focuses on low yields to concentrate flavors and enhance the expression of terroir.
Pierre-Yves Colin’s approach in the cellar is minimalist and non-interventionist. He uses wild yeasts for fermentation and opts for larger, older oak barrels (typically 350-liter) to age the wines. This allows the wines to develop complexity without excessive oak influence, highlighting the natural aromas and flavors derived from the terroir. He avoids batonnage (stirring of the lees) to preserve the freshness and tension of the wines, resulting in a distinct purity and minerality that has become a signature of his style.
Wine Notes: The 2022 Pierre-Yves Colin-Morey Rosé de Pinot Noir is crafted entirely from 100% Pinot Noir grapes sourced from the high-altitude village of Cormot-le- Grand, near Saint-Aubin, specifically from the lieu-dit ‘En Vignes Baudet,’ with an additional 15% of the grapes coming from Santenay. Around 55 years old, the vines are planted in clay and limestone soils with a southwest exposure, ideal for capturing the sun’s warmth while maintaining freshness. This direct press rosé is aged in large, 2-3 year-old barrels, allowing for subtle maturation without overpowering oak influence. It is bottled unfined and unfiltered, preserving its natural character. The total production for this vintage is limited to just 600 cases, highlighting its rarity and artisanal approach.
