From: Chassagne-Montrachet, Côte de Beaune, Burgundy, France
Varietal: Chardonnay

Taste: The 2022 vintage of Saint-Aubin "Les Champlots" is marked by its bright, pale gold color with a glistening clarity. On the nose, it opens with aromas of white flowers, citrus zest, and green apple, mingling with hints of flint and wet stone. There are also subtle notes of almond and brioche derived from the gentle aging process. The palate is lively and precise, with flavors of lemon curd, pear, and a touch of white peach, complemented by a chalky, mineral backbone. The wine’s acidity is crisp and well- integrated, bringing balance and length to the finish.

“Very pale in colour, and undemonstrative on the nose. There is time for that to come. Substantial energy towards the back of the palate, clean white fruit with a citrus not at the back, good length, more on stones than flesh. Drink from 2026-2030.” - 88-91 Points, Jasper Morris

Pairing: For regional Burgundy fare, try it with poulet à la moutarde (mustard chicken), where the wine’s citrus and mineral notes cut through the creaminess of the sauce, or jambon persillé (ham terrine with parsley), which balances the fresh and subtle herbal flavors. Another excellent pairing is gratin dauphinois, a creamy potato dish that complements the wine’s almond and brioche undertones.

For easy-to-make dinner options, this wine pairs nicely with grilled lemon herb chicken, whose citrus notes echo those in the dish. Seared scallops with a light garlic-butter sauce bring out the wine's chalky minerality, while vegetable stir-fry with ginger and soy enhances its bright, crisp acidity. For a touch of spice, consider shrimp tacos with cilantro-lime slaw, or for something simple and comforting, creamy mushroom risotto that compliments the wine’s subtle brioche and almond nuances.

Madame Laracine's Gratin Dauphinois (Madame Laracine's Potato Gratin)
By Patricia Wells

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: Located on the western edge of the Côte de Beaune, near the more famous Puligny-Montrachet and Chassagne-Montrachet, Saint-Aubin has gained recognition for producing elegant, mineral-driven white wines, and "Les Champlots" is one of its prized Premier Cru vineyards.

The "Les Champlots" vineyard is situated on a hillside with an advantageous southeast exposure, which allows the vines to receive ample sunlight throughout the growing season. This site benefits from a higher altitude, which brings cooler temperatures and extended ripening, which is crucial for maintaining acidity and developing complexity in the wines. The soils in "Les Champlots" are composed of limestone and clay, typical of the region, but with a notable chalky quality that imparts a distinctive minerality to the wine. Combining these factors contributes to a wine that balances richness and vibrant acidity.

Pierre-Yves Colin-Morey’s approach to winemaking emphasizes minimal intervention, allowing the terroir to express itself fully. The 2022 Saint-Aubin "Les Champlots" 1er Cru was made with grapes harvested by hand to ensure quality and selection. The wine underwent fermentation with indigenous yeasts and was aged in French oak barrels, with a preference for larger, older barrels to avoid overwhelming the natural flavors of the wine. This aging process enhances texture and complexity without masking the freshness and minerality typical of the vineyard. The wine is bottled unfined and unfiltered, preserving its purity and depth.