From: Chassagne-Montrachet, Côte de Beaune, Burgundy, France
Varietal: Chardonnay
Taste: Pale straw color in the glass. On the nose, it exudes aromas of white flowers, green apples, and citrus, with underlying notes of flint and crushed stones, reflecting the mineral-rich soils of the vineyards. The palate is vibrant and fresh, with flavors of lemon zest, pear, and a hint of white peach, balanced by a crisp, well-integrated acidity. There are also subtle hints of almond and brioche, derived from the gentle aging process, which add depth and complexity. The finish is clean, long, and marked by a refreshing minerality that lingers.
“This has been racked. Le Banc, with several other vineyards included. Pale color with lime green reflections. Just a little toasty note to the nose, with pure white fruit on the palate, with the vigorous freshness associated with St-Aubin. A tingling finish thanks to the mineral acidity. Drink from 2026-2029.” 88-91 Points, Jasper Morris
Pairing: It pairs beautifully with grilled white fish, buttered crab, or seared scallops, where the wine’s citrus and mineral backbone enhance the seafood flavors. It also complements roast chicken with herbs, creamy risotto, and vegetable dishes such as asparagus with hollandaise. For a regional pairing, consider serving it with escargots de Bourgogne, where the wine’s acidity cuts through the richness of the garlic butter sauce.
This wine shines alongside grilled lemon herb chicken for an easy dinner, bringing out the fresh, zesty notes in the dish and the wine. It pairs well with shrimp scampi over pasta, as the bright acidity balances the richness of the butter sauce. It’s a delightful match for a crab cake with a light aioli, where the crisp, mineral flavors accentuate the delicate sweetness of the crab.
Classic Shrimp Scampi
By Melissa Clark
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 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 and provide a mineral-driven character to the wines. Pierre-Yves employs organic and biodynamic practices, ensuring 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: Saint-Aubin, located near the more famous villages of Puligny- Montrachet and Chassagne-Montrachet, has gained a reputation for producing excellent, mineral-driven white wines at a more approachable price point compared to its prestigious neighbors.
The vineyards used for this Saint-Aubin are situated on the slopes of the Côte de Beaune, benefiting from a mix of limestone and clay soils crucial for growing high- quality Chardonnay. These soils provide a chalky minerality that is a hallmark of the wines from this region. The vineyards have a favorable southeast exposure, ensuring that the grapes receive plenty of sunlight, which aids in ripening while retaining the freshness and acidity that defines Saint-Aubin wines.
