Francois Cotat

Sancerre is not a style of wine that typically inspires a cult following, but the wines of Francois Cotat are an exception. These are perhaps more an expression of their terroir, the terres blanches limestone marl vineyards around Chavignol, than their grape variety. Mineral and herbal when young, they gain richness, depth and intensity when properly matured. Every vine that Francois owns is within a kilometer of his cellar on a Chavignol side street, which itself is overlooked by the Mont Damnés vineyard (so named by pickers who struggle on the steep slopes). In pursuit of ripeness, picking often happens much later than at other Sancerre domaines. He sometimes even retains some sugar in his wines. He is constantly at odds with the regulators over the ‘atypicity’ of his wines, which has on occasion caused them to be declassified to Vin de Table status. It does him no harm at all among his followers! (NT 31/10/19)