From: Chassagne-Montrachet, Bourgongne, France
Varietal: Chardonnay
Taste: Pale gold with subtle green highlights. The nose is inviting and aromatic, offering fresh citrus notes of lemon and lime intertwined with orchard fruits like green apple and pear. Subtle hints of white flowers, crushed stone, and a delicate touch of hazelnut emerge with aeration, reflecting its terroir and Philippe Colin’s restrained oak usage. On the palate, the wine is clean and precise, with a medium-bodied texture and refreshing acidity. The flavors echo the aromas, with a focus on citrus zest, ripe apple, and a whisper of stone fruits such as white peach. A mineral backbone adds complexity and length, finishing with a slight creaminess from its time on the lees. The use of oak is minimal and well-integrated, lending a subtle hint of vanilla and toast without overpowering the fruit.
Pairing: Coquilles Saint-Jacques, the classic French preparation of scallops baked in a creamy sauce with breadcrumbs and Gruyère cheese, creates a harmonious balance with the wine’s citrus brightness and creamy texture. Truite Meunière, a simple yet elegant preparation of trout lightly floured and sautéed in butter, then finished with lemon juice and parsley, echoes the wine’s citrus and mineral notes seamlessly. And, a pairing of aged Comté cheese with crusty baguette highlights the wine’s nutty, hazelnut undertones and creamy mouthfeel.
About. The story of Domaine Philippe Colin is one of passion, precision, and a commitment to producing wines that reflect the unique terroirs of Chassagne-Montrachet. Although the venture was founded in 2004, Philippe Colin’s roots in winemaking stretch back generations. Philippe grew up in the renowned Domaine Michel Colin-Deléger, where he learned the art of viticulture and winemaking alongside his father, Michel, and brother, Bruno.
In 2004, the Colin family estate underwent a significant transition when Michel retired, and the brothers divided the family vineyards into two separate entities. This move allowed Philippe to establish Domaine Philippe Colin, built on respecting tradition while embracing modern techniques to enhance wine quality. His vision was clear: to create wines that showcase the complexity and elegance of the Côte de Beaune, notably the prestigious vineyards of Chassagne-Montrachet.
Philippe Colin manages approximately 12 hectares of vineyards, focusing primarily on Chardonnay, which thrives in the region's limestone-rich soils. The domaine also cultivates smaller amounts of Pinot Noir. Philippe has holdings in some of the most esteemed Premier Cru and Grand Cru vineyards, including Les Chaumées, Les Vergers, and the iconic Le Montrachet, contributing to the domaine’s exceptional portfolio.
The estate’s philosophy emphasizes sustainable viticulture and minimal intervention winemaking. Philippe adopts a hands-off approach in the cellar to let the terroir shine. The grapes are hand-harvested, carefully sorted, and vinified using natural yeasts. For aging, Philippe prefers French oak barrels, with a restrained use of new oak to preserve the fruit's purity and the wines' minerality.