From: Chassagne-Montrachet, Côte de Beaune, Burgundy, France
Varietal: Chardonnay
Taste: It presents a pale, shimmering gold color in the glass. The nose opens with aromas of white blossoms, lemon zest, and green apple, intertwined with subtle hints of crushed stone and hazelnut. It is precise and layered on the palate, with flavors of citrus, ripe pear, and a touch of nectarine, underscored by a steely minerality and chalky texture. The wine has a bright, well-integrated acidity that brings balance and length to the finish, leaving a lingering impression of freshness and finesse.
“This cuvee has been a blend of Perrières, Combes, Créots and Pitangerets since 2016, all pressed and vinified together. The blend effectively covers all the possible exposures of St-Aubin. The bouquet is rather unforthcoming, though there is an attractive weight of white fruit on the palate, with more generosity at the finish. Drink from 2026-2030.” 89-91 Points, Jasper Morris
Pairing: Given its lively acidity and complex mineral profile, the 2022 "Hommage à Marguerite" pairs wonderfully with seafood dishes such as grilled lobster, pan-seared scallops, or oysters on the half shell. It also complements roasted chicken with herbs, creamy mushroom pasta, or regional favorites like coq au vin blanc, highlighting the wine’s subtle richness and bright acidity. Its versatility makes it an excellent match for various dishes, from light appetizers to more decadent, creamy fare.
Coq au Vin Blanc
By Florence Fabricant
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: "Hommage à Marguerite" is a special cuvée that holds sentimental value within the Colin-Morey portfolio. This wine is named in tribute to Pierre-Yves Colin’s grandmother, Marguerite.
This Premier Cru wine comes from select vineyard plots within Saint-Aubin. This region has gained recognition for its high-quality white wines, often rivaling those from more renowned neighboring appellations like Puligny-Montrachet and Chassagne- Montrachet. The vineyards used for the "Hommage à Marguerite" are situated on slopes with excellent exposure, allowing optimal sunlight and ripening conditions. The soils here are rich in limestone, contributing to the wine’s minerality and fresh acidity.
