Sancerre “Grande Côte” 2020 – François Cotat

A powerful and structured Sancerre, expressing the depth and intensity of one of Chavignol’s most iconic hillside terroirs

Terroir

The Grande Côte cuvée comes from a steep, south-facing hillside above the village of Chavignol, one of the most renowned sites in the Sancerre appellation. The vineyard is planted on dense limestone and marl soils, giving rise to wines of great structure, depth, and mineral power. This terroir naturally produces low yields and late-ripening fruit, resulting in concentration and remarkable aging capacity. The continental Loire climate, with marked temperature variations, preserves freshness while allowing full phenolic maturity. Vinified by François Cotat in a traditional, artisanal manner, unfined and unfiltered, this wine offers a profound, uncompromising expression of its origin.

Tasting Notes

Appearance & Nose:
Pale gold color with green highlights. The nose is deep and complex, revealing aromas of ripe citrus, lemon peel, yellow apple, and white peach, interwoven with notes of flint, chalk, dried herbs, and a subtle smoky nuance.

Palate & Finish:
The palate is powerful, structured, and deeply mineral, driven by firm acidity and a dense, chalky backbone. The wine shows remarkable intensity without heaviness, unfolding gradually with air. The finish is long, saline, and persistent, underlining the wine’s outstanding aging potential and its status as one of the most serious and profound expressions of Sancerre.